Experts want Lenacapavir focus as Kigezi HIV rates remain high

Health and communication specialists in Uganda’s Kigezi sub-region have called for wider access to HIV pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis, including Lenacapavir, as part of efforts to reduce HIV infections in the region.

They made the call on Wednesday at a Uganda AIDS Commission (UAC) workshop on HIV prevention and communication in Rukungiri town attended by district communications officers from the six Kigezi districts, health workers and journalists.

UAC statistics released in December 2025 put HIV prevalence in Rukungiri District at 8.1 per cent, the highest in the Kigezi sub-region, followed by Kanungu at 6 per cent, Kabale at 5.2 per cent and Kisoro at 2 per cent.

Dr Davis Ahabwe, the principal medical officer in Rukungiri Municipality, said access to preventive measures could help reduce HIV transmission, particularly in Rukungiri.