In a significant move to advance the fight against HIV/AIDS, Uganda has launched a new paediatric medicine specifically formulated for children living with HIV. The launch marks a critical step in bridging the treatment gap for one of the most vulnerable populations.
The ceremony was held at Quality Chemical Industries Limited (QCIL) in Luzira, as the company celebrated its 20-year anniversary. The event was officiated by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, who represented President Yoweri Museveni.
The new drug is a combination of three antiretrovirals—Abacavir, Dolutegravir, and Lamivudine. It is designed to be safe, effective, and easier for children to use, addressing a major challenge in paediatric HIV care. This development is particularly crucial as global health bodies, including UNAIDS, continue to report that children lag significantly behind adults in accessing effective HIV treatment.
The launch intensifies the ongoing global mission to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030. By introducing a locally manufactured, child-friendly treatment option, Uganda positions itself at the forefront of this battle, offering new hope for the health and well-being of children living with HIV across the nation and the region.
