Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDS and also the wife of the former leader of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party, Dr. Kizza Besigye, wants the long-acting injectable new HIV prevention medication prioritized strictly for homosexuals in Uganda.
According to Byanyima, the long-lasting protection against HIV is a game changer in the fight against the epidemic among gay persons due to the increasing prevalence among them.
“Injectable HIV medications offer a promising alternative to daily pills, which can be exhausting to take daily and can be a barrier for many. We must ensure that these innovations are available and accessible to those who need them most,” Byanyima stated.
Byanyima said on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, through her X handle that despite advancements in HIV treatment, the government of Uganda should prioritize the recently introduced medication for the gay community.
She stressed that frequenting health facilities is exhausting; therefore, getting injectable medications, which can provide longer-lasting protection against HIV, could enable homosexuals to adhere to treatment.
“Injectable medications could significantly reduce transmission rates and improve the quality of life for these communities,” Byanyima added.
Byanyima earlier last year asked Ugandans to support homosexuals, describing it as normal; therefore, they should be allowed to associate in Uganda freely.
Health experts have sharply disagreed with Byanyima’s narrative, saying it is discriminative and unfair as it will not only increase the number of homosexuals.
The call for prioritizing injectable HIV medications has sparked discussions among healthcare leaders and policymakers.
A source said Byanyima’s demand is propelled by a desire to protect her son’s status as gay.
The health workers advocate for collective efforts and the well-being of all people, not just a selected few.