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Nigeria has taken a significant step in its fight against HIV/AIDS with the introduction of Lenacapavir, a revolutionary injectable medication that requires administration only twice annually.
This development offers hope to thousands of Nigerians who are vulnerable to HIV infection, providing them with a discreet and convenient alternative to daily oral medication.
Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, announced that the injectable drug would enhance Nigeria’s HIV prevention strategies and contribute to reducing new infection rates across the country.
Nigeria has been chosen alongside eight other nations by the Global Fund to pioneer the use of Lenacapavir for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). The minister revealed that the country has already received an initial supply of 52,000 doses to commence the programme.
“This is a long-acting injectable antiretroviral medication given once every six months. It offers a convenient, discreet and highly effective alternative for people who face substantial risk of HIV infection,” Dr. Salako explained.
During a media briefing held in Abuja on Monday, the minister stated that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme (NASCP), has prepared comprehensive policy guidelines, implementation frameworks and rapid advice documentation to facilitate smooth deployment.
He announced that an initial pilot phase has been approved for eight states: Anambra, Ebonyi, Gombe, Kwara, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory. These locations were selected based on HIV prevalence rates and programme preparedness.
According to Dr. Salako, the injectable option will work alongside current prevention approaches, including oral PrEP and other long-acting alternatives, thereby broadening protection options for at-risk individuals.
The minister characterized this development as “a major milestone in Nigeria’s HIV prevention response,” expressing optimism that it would hasten the decline of new infections and enhance access to preventive healthcare services.
He emphasized that the initiative would “strengthen national HIV prevention efforts, expand prevention choices for individuals at risk, and accelerate progress toward the national goal of ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.”
Meanwhile, Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), and Dr. Adebobola Bashorun, National Coordinator of NASCP, both stressed important limitations of the medication during the briefing.
They clarified that Lenacapavir serves as a prevention tool rather than a cure and does not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis, or unwanted pregnancy. The drug is also not recommended for expectant mothers.
Dr. Ilori pointed out that while international studies demonstrate Lenacapavir’s high safety profile, research on its use during pregnancy remains limited.
She described the injection as a transformative addition to Nigeria’s HIV prevention arsenal but cautioned that it offers no protection against other sexually transmitted diseases, including hepatitis.
Dr. Bashorun disclosed that the federal government is pursuing plans to make Lenacapavir available in additional states beyond the pilot locations.
“We are actively exploring catalytic funding opportunities to secure more doses and extend coverage to populations facing the highest risk,” he stated.
He emphasized that the new injectable option would supplement, not supplant, existing HIV prevention methods such as oral PrEP tablets.
Representatives from key population groups, the Global Fund, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) praised Nigeria’s preparedness, describing the introduction of Lenacapavir as a pivotal moment in the nation’s HIV prevention campaign.
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