In a landmark move for Nigeria’s fight against HIV, the Federal Government has introduced Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention that is given once every six months. This step is part of the country’s strengthened drive to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, announced the rollout on Monday in Abuja, calling it a major advancement in Nigeria’s HIV prevention strategy. He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on expanding prevention, treatment, and care services, boosting domestic funding, and stopping mother-to-child transmission of the virus.
“Unlike daily oral PrEP, Lenacapavir is administered once every six months, making it a highly convenient and discreet prevention option for individuals at high risk of infection,” Salako said. “The drug has demonstrated strong effectiveness in reducing HIV acquisition while maintaining a safety profile comparable to existing therapies.”
Nigeria is one of nine early adopter countries selected by the Global Fund to introduce Lenacapavir, which began in January 2026. About 52,000 doses have been secured for the first phase across selected states, including Anambra, Ebonyi, Gombe, Kwara, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The new injectable adds to existing HIV prevention tools, such as oral PrEP and long-acting injectable Cabotegravir (CAB-PrEP), giving people more choices to protect themselves in ways that suit their lifestyle.
Dr. Aderonke Agbaje, Director of Special Projects at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), said the twice-yearly injection will improve adherence, especially for people who struggle with daily medication due to stigma or access problems. She stressed that Lenacapavir is part of a combination prevention approach and does not replace existing methods.
Preparations for the rollout included NAFDAC approvals, training healthcare workers, checking facility readiness, setting up data reporting systems, and running community awareness campaigns. A national launch will be followed by local flag-offs in participating states.
Salako expressed confidence that Lenacapavir will speed up Nigeria’s progress toward ending HIV/AIDS, increase prevention coverage, and lower future treatment costs. “This milestone strengthens Nigeria’s HIV prevention response and provides high-risk populations with an effective, convenient, and safe option to protect themselves,” he said.
IHVN and other partners will support the rollout through integrated strategies, including key population-friendly facilities, one-stop prevention platforms, stronger supply chains, and community engagement to reduce stigma and ensure effective service delivery.
