Nigeria Receives New Twice-Yearly HIV Prevention Injection to Strengthen Fight Against Virus
Nigeria has received its first shipment of a long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention known as Lenacapavir, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to expand options for preventing new infections.
The development was announced in a statement issued by the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The agency confirmed that the injection arrived in the country as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen HIV prevention services.
Health authorities explained that the drug will be used for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)—a preventive treatment designed for individuals who are HIV-negative but at risk of contracting the virus.
Officials said the introduction of Lenacapavir was approved by Nigeria’s coordinating minister of health and supported through partnerships with international health organisations, including the Global Fund, as part of a broader strategy to expand innovative prevention tools across the country.
A New Option in HIV Prevention
Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable medication administered only twice a year, offering a convenient alternative to the daily oral pills traditionally used for HIV prevention. Health experts believe the injection could significantly improve adherence to preventive treatment, especially among people who struggle to maintain daily medication routines.
Medical authorities also note that the drug should still be combined with other preventive measures, including safer sexual practices, to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Preparations for Nationwide Rollout
The arrival of the medication follows months of planning, policy discussions and global negotiations aimed at expanding access to the new prevention tool.
Regulatory clearance has already been granted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, while implementation assessments have been conducted in several states to determine readiness for the rollout.
Authorities disclosed that the initial phase of the programme will involve selected states, where health facilities are being prepared to integrate the new injection into existing HIV prevention services.
Expanding Access to Prevention
Global health partners recently agreed to reduce the price of Lenacapavir for low- and middle-income countries from about $28,000 per person annually to roughly $40, a move expected to improve access for millions of people at risk of HIV infection.
Health officials say the introduction of the twice-yearly injection is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s national HIV response by expanding prevention choices and improving access to life-saving interventions.
The rollout of the medication is also seen as part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to reduce new HIV infections and move closer to ending the disease as a major public health threat.