Medical experts have said the introduction of Lenacapavir, a new long-acting HIV prevention injection, could help Nigeria reduce the spread of fresh HIV infections.
The injection, which is taken twice yearly, is seen as a major alternative to daily HIV prevention pills, especially for people who find it difficult to take medication regularly.
According to the experts, the new drug can improve compliance, provide longer protection, and help close existing gaps in HIV prevention across the country.
Nigeria recently received 11,520 doses of the injection out of an expected 52,000 doses, with rollout already planned for selected states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking on the development, health professionals said the success of the injection will depend on proper distribution, wider access, and sustained government support.
They also urged the Federal Government to increase domestic funding for HIV programmes and invest in local production capacity to avoid overdependence on foreign supply.
With Nigeria still carrying one of the highest HIV burdens globally, the experts believe the new injection could become a major tool in the fight against the disease if fully implemented.