The Ministry of Health has initiated the rollout of cabotegravir (Cab-LA), a long-acting HIV prevention drug jabs, marking a new milestone in Uganda’s efforts to combat rising HIV infection rates.
Dr. Herbert Kadama, the ministry’s Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) coordinator, announced that the first dose was administered to a walk-in patient at a health facility in Mbarara, a region particularly affected by increasing HIV cases.
While Dr. Kadama did not disclose specific information about the patient, he confirmed that cabotegravir is available to anyone at risk of contracting HIV.
Cabotegravir is given in two initial injections four weeks apart, followed by maintenance doses every eight weeks. This long-acting injectable provides a more convenient alternative to daily oral PrEP, making HIV prevention easier for those at risk.
However, Uganda is currently facing a shortage of cabotegravir doses. The available stock primarily comes from donations by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The ministry expects an additional 3,500 doses, procured by the Global Fund, to arrive by February, adding to the current 7,500 doses in stock.
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have long pushed for equitable access to PrEP, pointing out that many developing countries with high HIV burdens struggle to afford preventive measures.
In Uganda, the number of people using oral PrEP has surged from 800 users in 2017 to nearly 700,000 today. However, health workers report that adherence to daily medication is often challenging, with many users discontinuing use over time.
