Mukono District Joins MU-JHU in Stakeholder Engagement on Monthly PrEP Study Targeting HIV Prevention Among Young Women.

Colline Hotel, Mukono Municipality:

Mukono District leaders and key stakeholders have participated in a crucial stakeholder engagement meeting aimed at introducing and supporting the EXPRESSIVE Study an innovative research initiative focused on HIV prevention among young women through the use of a monthly PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) pill.

The meeting was organized by Makerere University Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Research Collaboration Care Ltd in partnership with the Mukono District Health Department.

Held at Colline Hotel, the engagement brought together District Councilors led by Hon. Martha Nasazi, the Secretary for Health and Gender, the Chairperson of the Health and Education Committee Hon. Yashiri Mpirinto, health facility in-charges, technical officers, and various implementing partners across the district.

The EXPRESSIVE Study (MK-8527), led by MU-JHU, seeks to assess the safety, acceptability, and effectiveness of a new monthly oral PrEP pill in HIV-negative young women aged 18–30. The research team sought Mukono District’s guidance, input, and permission to begin participant recruitment focusing on areas within the district with a high HIV burden.

Dr. Brenda Mirembe, Principal Investigator at MU-JHU, explained that the study aims to expand HIV prevention options tailored to the unique needs and vulnerabilities of young women, particularly those at elevated risk due to socioeconomic pressures and gender-based violence. “We are here to engage and collaborate with the district so that our recruitment is community-informed, respectful, and impactful,” she said.

According to Mukono District HIV Focal Person Dr. Isaac Dumba, HIV remains a significant public health concern in the district. “Our data indicates that approximately one in ten people in Mukono are living with HIV, with Koome Island and Mukono Municipality being the most affected areas. Youth aged 10–24, particularly girls, are the most vulnerable due to limited negotiating power, economic dependence, and high-risk behaviors,” Dr. Dumba noted.

He revealed that Mukono District currently has an estimated 28,500 people living with HIV, and there is urgent need for innovative, youth-friendly interventions like the PrEP study to prevent further infections.

Representing the Chief Administrative Officer, District Health Officer Dr. Stephen Mulindwa applauded MU-JHU for considering Mukono District in their groundbreaking research. “This study is unique in that it targets HIV-negative individuals who are at risk, offering them a once-a-month pill as a preventative measure. The trial is expected to enroll 130 participants starting in October 2025,” he said. He emphasized the importance of regular HIV testing during the study and the need to include high-risk groups such as sex workers, uniformed personnel, drug users, and individuals with multiple sexual partners.

Hon. Jorem Kabali Kimera, the Vice Chairperson LC V and Secretary for Finance, Planning, and Administration, commended the initiative, highlighting the persistent challenge of HIV despite ongoing awareness campaigns. “Mukono continues to grapple with high infection rates, especially among youth. We appreciate this intervention and ask MU-JHU to continue working closely with us to ensure community ownership and participation,” he said.

Ms. Carolyne Cheptora, a representative of MU-JHU, reaffirmed that the engagement aimed at sensitizing stakeholders about the EXPRESSIVE study, its planned activities, and recruitment strategies. She noted that input from district leaders would be essential in identifying potential community contacts and ensuring successful implementation.

The stakeholder engagement marked a vital step in building partnerships between research institutions and local governments to strengthen the fight against HIV among Uganda’s most vulnerable populations. With the EXPRESSIVE study set to launch in Mukono, the district’s leadership expressed commitment to supporting research-driven approaches to HIV prevention. As young women remain disproportionately affected, initiatives like the monthly PrEP study offer renewed hope for breaking the cycle of infection and advancing health equity.