Nigeria Receives Long-Acting HIV Prevention Injection Lenacapavir

• The Federal Government has confirmed the arrival of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable medication used for HIV prevention.

The Federal Government on Wednesday confirmed the receipt of the HIV prevention injection known as Lenacapavir.

VerseNews reports that 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.

Bashorun said the arrival of the drug reflects Nigeria’s commitment to adopting innovative and evidence-based interventions to accelerate progress toward controlling the HIV epidemic.

According to him, the National HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme will collaborate with partners and stakeholders to ensure the safe introduction and strategic deployment of the medication.

“NASCP, in collaboration with partners and stakeholders, will work to ensure the safe introduction, strategic deployment, and effective integration of Lenacapavir into the national HIV prevention options,” he said.

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

“NASCP remains committed to advancing equitable access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care services. The arrival of Long-Acting Injectable Lenacapavir demonstrates Nigeria’s resolve to scale up innovative solutions and strengthen the fight against HIV,” Bashorun stated.

Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable medication administered twice a year, offering a more convenient alternative to daily oral preventive drugs used for HIV prevention.

Health officials noted that introducing the drug as part of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) could significantly broaden prevention choices for individuals at risk of HIV infection.

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VerseNews reports that the long-acting injectable option may also improve adherence among individuals who face challenges taking daily oral preventive medications.

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

Officials said the milestone, approved by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, and supported through the Global Fund, represents a major advancement in Nigeria’s HIV prevention efforts and reinforces the country’s commitment to expanding innovative healthcare solutions.