New HIV prevention drug price slashed to Shs130,000 from Shs102 million

Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, has welcomed a landmark global deal that will dramatically slash the cost of the HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, making it affordable for millions in low- and middle-income countries.

The announcement was made on Wednesday during the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) meeting in New York. Under the new agreement, the annual cost of lenacapavir will drop from an estimated Shs 102 million (US$28,218) to just Shs 130,000 (US$40) in 120 eligible countries.

The two-day summit, opened by former US President Bill Clinton, convened world leaders, philanthropists, and health experts to tackle pressing challenges in global health.

Dr Aceng, who was part of the Ugandan delegation, described the development as a breakthrough. Taking to social media, she 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 be available in low- and middle-income countries for US$40 per year.”

Earlier this year, Uganda hosted clinical trials of lenacapavir, which showed 100 percent effectiveness in preventing HIV infection. The drug’s potential to revolutionise prevention had been overshadowed by its prohibitive price tag, sparking concerns that it would remain out of reach for those who need it most.

In June, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima publicly urged the manufacturer, Gilead Sciences, to make the drug accessible. “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,” she said at the time.

With Wednesday’s announcement, advocates say hopes are renewed that lenacapavir could transform the fight against HIV, particularly in Africa where new infections remain high