Nigeria receives breakthrough HIV prevention injection lenacapavir

Nigeria has officially received Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention injection, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to combat the HIV epidemic. The breakthrough medication was approved by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, with support from the Global Fund.

Lenacapavir is designed for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), offering an alternative to daily oral HIV prevention drugs. The injectable treatment is administered twice a year, providing people at risk of HIV infection with a more convenient option compared to daily medication.

Health experts say the new injection could significantly improve treatment adherence, particularly among individuals who find it difficult to maintain a daily drug routine.

According to Adebobola Bashorun, the National Coordinator of the National HIV Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme (NASCP), the arrival of Lenacapavir highlights Nigeria’s commitment to using evidence-based innovations to accelerate progress toward controlling the epidemic.

Bashorun said expanding prevention options and strengthening service delivery would help reduce new infections and improve health outcomes across the country. He added that NASCP, working alongside partners and stakeholders, will ensure the safe rollout and effective integration of Lenacapavir into Nigeria’s national HIV prevention programmes.

Lenacapavir is expected to become available in Nigeria and 119 other low- and middle-income countries at an estimated annual cost of about $40 per person, following voluntary licensing agreements with generic pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Health officials say the introduction of the long-acting injection moves Nigeria closer to the goal of ending HIV as a public health threat.