In Uganda, lenacapavir offers hope against HIV despite shortages

In Mbarara, western Uganda, lenacapavir, an injectable form of PrEP given twice a year, is raising hopes for improved HIV prevention. Authorized in the United States in 2025, its effectiveness has been demonstrated in two studies involving people at high risk of infection. But Uganda has only a few thousand doses, allocated among several priority districts, and some patients are instead offered cabotegravir, an injection given every two months. Sex workers value not having to take daily pills, says Immaculate Nyamwija, while Lisa Mutoni describes the supply difficulties.