By Tolit Ivan
Gulu Regional Referral Hospital is overwhelmed by the growing demand for the HIV injectable prevention drug, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), introduced by the Ministry of Health, a highly effective, daily medication or injection used by HIV-negative individuals to prevent contracting HIV, reducing risk by up to 99%.
In August 2025, the Ministry of Health delivered 133 doses of the injectable drug to the hospital, intended for 19 people.
However, due to high demand, the doses were administered to 51 people, with the main beneficiaries being key populations, commonly known as sex workers.
Christine Akwia, the Assistant Nursing Officer, in charge of the HIV Prevention Unit at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, said the facility has now run out of the injectable HIV prevention drugs amid rising demand.
As of late 2025, Uganda’s HIV prevalence among adults aged 15-49 was estimated at between 5.1% and 5.5%.
Although there have been significant declines in HIV-related deaths and new infections, new cases remain high, especially among young women, according to reports from the Uganda AIDS Commission and the Ministry of Health.
