The Federal Government announced the arrival of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable antiretroviral used for HIV prevention, describing the development as a major advancement in the country’s public health response to the epidemic.
According to the Director and National Coordinator of the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), Dr. Adebobola Bashorun, the medication was delivered to Nigeria earlier this week and will be deployed as part of the country’s expanding HIV prevention strategies.
Bashorun said the drug’s introduction followed approval by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, with technical and financial support from the Global Fund.
The injectable formulation of Lenacapavir represents a significant shift from conventional daily oral PrEP regimens.
Health experts say the long-acting option could improve treatment adherence and broaden access to preventive services, particularly among individuals and populations that experience challenges with daily medication schedules.
“As a long-acting injectable option, Lenacapavir PrEP has the potential to improve adherence and expand access to effective HIV prevention services for populations that may face challenges with daily oral prevention options,” Bashorun said.
He noted that the adoption of the injectable therapy reflects Nigeria’s commitment to evidence-based public health interventions aimed at reducing new infections and strengthening national HIV control strategies.
Public health authorities say the new prevention tool will complement existing biomedical interventions, including oral PrEP, condom use, HIV testing services, and early initiation of antiretroviral therapy.
NASCP is expected to collaborate with implementing partners and other stakeholders to ensure the safe introduction, strategic distribution, and integration of Lenacapavir into the national HIV prevention programme.
The phased rollout will target high-risk populations while reinforcing Nigeria’s broader response to the epidemic through improved service delivery, community engagement, and expanded access to prevention services.
Nigeria remains one of the countries with the highest HIV burden globally, with an estimated 1.9 million people living with the virus.
Health authorities say the introduction of long-acting injectable PrEP is a critical step toward accelerating progress in reducing new infections and improving long-term health outcomes across the country.
