Nigeria Receives Breakthrough HIV Prevention Injection to Strengthen Fight Against Virus

The Federal Government has confirmed the arrival of a new HIV prevention injection known as Lenacapavir, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to curb new infections.

The National Coordinator of the National HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Adebobola Bashorun, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.

According to him, the introduction of Lenacapavir reflects Nigeria’s commitment to adopting innovative and evidence-based interventions aimed at accelerating progress towards controlling the HIV epidemic.

Bashorun explained that the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme (NASCP), in collaboration with partners and stakeholders, will ensure the safe introduction, strategic deployment and effective integration of the drug into the country’s HIV prevention options.

He noted that the rollout would complement ongoing efforts to expand access to HIV prevention services and strengthen Nigeria’s overall response to the disease.

Bashorun further stressed that the programme remains committed to advancing equitable access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care services nationwide.

The new drug, Lenacapavir, is a long-acting injectable medication administered twice a year, offering a more convenient alternative to daily oral preventive drugs.

Health officials say the introduction of the injection for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) will broaden prevention choices for individuals at risk of HIV infection and may improve adherence among people who find it difficult to maintain daily medication.

The Federal Government noted that expanding prevention options and strengthening service delivery would help reduce new HIV infections and improve health outcomes across communities in the country.

The medication is expected to be available in Nigeria and 119 other low- and middle-income countries at an estimated cost of about 40 dollars per person annually through voluntary licensing agreements with generic manufacturers.

The initiative, approved by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, and supported by the Global Fund, is described as a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive to scale up innovative HIV prevention strategies and ultimately end HIV as a public health threat.