Lira – The Ministry of Health will officially launch the use of Lenacapavir, a revolutionary twice-yearly injectable drug for HIV prevention, on 17th April 2026 at Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH), the hospital’s acting director has confirmed.
Dr. Andrew Odur, Acting Director of LRRH, made the announcement today while addressing a group of journalists in Lango at the hospital premises.
Dr. Odur revealed that senior officials from the Ministry of Health, including top leadership, will travel to Lira to preside over the national launch, which marks the official rollout of the drug across Uganda.
“All the big people from the Ministry of Health will come to the hospital to launch the use of Lenacapavir for the entire country,” Dr. Odur said.
Lenacapavir is a groundbreaking, long-acting injectable drug used for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Unlike daily oral pills, Lenacapavir requires only two injections per year, offering a highly effective and discreet alternative for high-risk populations. The first consignment of 19,200 doses arrived in Uganda in February 2026, with nationwide distribution to high-risk groups and districts initially scheduled to begin in March 2026. The April 17 launch at Lira will now serve as the official commencement ceremony.
The event was opened by the Lira Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Lawrence Egole, who praised the hospital’s leadership for the ongoing development strides at the facility.
“The good leadership of Lira Regional Referral Hospital is behind the good development we are seeing,” Egole remarked.
The RCC also took a moment to acknowledge the role of the media, thanking journalists for consistently performing their duties professionally. He urged them to continue sensitizing the community about beneficial programs at LRRH.
The launch on April 17 is expected to draw health officials, development partners, and civil society organizations working in HIV prevention, signaling a major shift in Uganda’s fight against new infections.
