New HIV Prevention Drug Lenacapavir Price in Uganda Slashed to Shs130,000
- Afri Careers
- Sep 26
- 1 min read
The HIV prevention drug lenacapavir price in Uganda has been dramatically reduced, marking a historic breakthrough in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. The cost of the life-saving injection has dropped from Shs102 million (US$28,218) to only Shs130,000 (US$40) per year under a new global agreement.
This landmark announcement was made on Wednesday during the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) meeting in New York, attended by world leaders, philanthropists, and health experts.
Uganda’s Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, welcomed the price reduction, calling it a game-changing development for millions in low- and middle-income countries.
Taking to social media, Dr Aceng wrote:
“Honoured to join Former President @BillClinton and other delegates at #CGI2025 today for the announcement of a landmark price agreement for lenacapavir: a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection that will now be available for just US$40 per year.”
The sharp fall in the HIV prevention drug lenacapavir price in Uganda means that more people at risk of infection can access this revolutionary treatment.
Earlier this year, Uganda hosted clinical trials of lenacapavir, which revealed 100% effectiveness in preventing HIV infection. Despite its success, the drug’s global rollout was previously hindered by its prohibitive price tag.
Global health advocates, including UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima, had urged Gilead Sciences — the manufacturer of lenacapavir — to make the injection affordable.
“If this game-changing medicine remains unaffordable, it will change nothing. I urge Gilead to do the right thing. Drop the price, expand production, and ensure the world has a shot at ending AIDS,” Byanyima said in June 2025.
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