Health workers in the Masaka sub-region have started using injectable Lenacapavir as part of efforts to prevent HIV infections.
The rollout comes as medics urge residents to combine biomedical prevention with behaviour change.
Robert Bbosa, the Infectious Diseases Institute Masaka Region Biomedical Prevention Specialist, addressed journalists in Masaka City on June 19 during a health science café.
He said people should reduce behaviours that expose them to HIV infection while using available prevention options.
Bbosa said several health facilities in the Masaka sub-region have received Lenacapavir, commonly referred to as LEN.
“People are turning up in big numbers to get the product. However, few facilities have been supplied with the doses in the first phase, but those that may not be able to obtain the injectable Lenacapavir can use other available preventive measures, as they are also proven to offer protection to users,” Bbosa said.
First phase targets selected facilities
According to Bbosa, Masaka Regional Referral Hospital received about 40 doses. Sembabule Health Centre III received 30 doses, while Bukakkata Health Centre III received 40.
Kasensero Health Centre III also received supplies, among other facilities.
However, Bbosa said some facilities, including Sembabule and Kasensero, have already reported stockouts.
“We have about 26 facilities in the Wakiso-Masaka cluster which are benefiting in the first phase of the supply of LEN. Five of these facilities are in Masaka, and the rest are in Wakiso. Four facilities have already received LEN and TASO Masaka is yet to receive the commodity,” he added.
He said health workers have been trained on how to administer LEN. He added that communities are also being educated about LEN and other HIV prevention options.
“LEN is offering people alternative preventive measures they can choose from, so people should not be so excited about LEN and abandon the other available measures like PEP, PrEP, and the ring, and the existing injectable option, because some have similar efficacy levels,” he added.
Priority groups identified in Masaka
Masaka is prioritising expectant mothers, adolescents and groups at high risk of HIV infection.
These include people who use drugs, people exposed to domestic violence and other vulnerable communities.
Masaka District Health Officer Dr Faith Nakiyimba raised concern over new HIV infections among adolescents in the sub-region.
She blamed the trend partly on complacency. However, she said the new prevention product could strengthen ongoing efforts against HIV.
“Greater Masaka sub-region registered 8,154 new HIV infections within the last six months. Of these, 4,814 were females, 3,112 were males, and 124 were children below the age of 15. This is still a big number and we are optimistic that the new commodity will boost the fight against such high cases still registered,” she added.
Dr Nakiyimba said Masaka was prioritised in the first phase because of its large population of people at high risk.
She cited truck drivers, mobile communities at landing sites and people involved in commercial sex work.
“The challenge we have with oral PrEP as a preventive measure is that incidentally some people drop off along the way despite people seeking PrEP in large numbers. We think that the rollout of LEN is going to address some of these challenges, but people are advised to use other preventive measures which are readily available if they cannot access it,” she added.
What to know about Lenacapavir
Lenacapavir is available in injectable and tablet forms.
During the first administration, health workers inject the drug on both sides of the abdomen, about five centimetres from the navel.
On the same day, the recipient takes two tablets. The recipient then takes another two tablets the following day.
This combination begins six months of protection against HIV infection.
Subsequent six-month doses require only the injection and no additional tablets.
Health officials say Lenacapavir is not a vaccine. It is a preventive medication.
Masaka’s long HIV burden
The Masaka sub-region has a long history in Uganda’s HIV response.
The first HIV case in Uganda was identified in the region in 1982.
Data from three consecutive national HIV/AIDS surveys shows Masaka has consistently carried one of the country’s highest HIV burdens.
The region recorded HIV prevalence of 10.6 per cent in 2011, 8.0 per cent in 2016 and 8.1 per cent in 2020.