Good News!! Ugandans Saved As HIV Prevention Drug Is Lowered To Shs 130,000 From The Initial Shs 102 Million

Uganda’s Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, has applauded a historic global agreement set to dramatically reduce the cost of the HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir — paving the way for millions in low- and middle-income countries to access it affordably.

The announcement came on Wednesday at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) meeting in New York. Under the new pricing deal, the yearly cost of lenacapavir will plummet from a staggering Shs 102 million (US$28,218) to just Shs 130,000 (US$40) across 120 eligible countries.

The two-day summit, opened by former US President Bill Clinton, brought together heads of state, global philanthropists, and public health leaders to tackle some of the world’s most urgent health challenges.

Dr Aceng, representing Uganda at the event, described the development as nothing short of a breakthrough. Sharing the moment on social media, she posted:
“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 played a key role in hosting clinical trials for lenacapavir, with results showing 100 percent effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission. Despite its promise, the drug had remained out of reach for many due to its sky-high cost — a concern echoed by global health advocates.

Back in June, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima made a passionate appeal to the drug’s manufacturer, Gilead Sciences. “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 urged.

With Wednesday’s price drop, hopes are once again high. Advocates believe this could be a turning point in the global fight against HIV — especially in Africa, where infection rates remain alarmingly high.