The Federal government, in collaboration with the Global Fund and other health development partners, has commenced the rollout of a long-acting injectable HIV prevention programme across eight states in Nigeria, with Ebonyi State listed among the benefiting states.
The initiative, which introduces the use of Lenacapavir injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), is aimed at strengthening HIV prevention efforts, particularly among vulnerable and high-risk populations.
The Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Agency for the Control of AIDS (EBOSACA), Prince Chibueze Andrew Iteshi, confirmed the development to journalists on Tuesday in Abakaliki, noting that the injectable HIV prevention therapy would be administered twice yearly.
He explained that the programme was already being implemented in selected health facilities within the state and forms part of a broader national HIV prevention strategy coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Health and supported by international partners.
According to him, eligible persons are expected to undergo HIV screening, urinalysis and kidney function tests before receiving the injection.
He further explained that after the preliminary medical assessments, intending beneficiaries would be given prescribed tablets prior to the administration of the injection, which is delivered subcutaneously through the thighs or abdomen.
Iteshi disclosed that beneficiaries would return after six months for another dose to sustain protection.
“It’s true. The injection is taken every six months and Ebonyi is among the eight states where the programme is currently being implemented. It is accessible within town through designated health facilities,” he stated.
Health authorities explained that the introduction of the long-acting injectable PrEP is expected to improve adherence challenges often associated with daily oral HIV prevention medication.
They added that the intervention aligns with ongoing efforts to reduce new HIV infections and strengthen public health response mechanisms across the country.
Some of the health facilities listed for the programme in Ebonyi State include the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Ebonyi State University General Hospital, Uburu, General Hospital Ezzamgbo, General Hospital Onueke, St. Patrick Mile 4 Hospital, Police Clinic Abakaliki, ROMEC Maternity Hospital and the Ebonyi One Stop Shop.
Other states currently participating in the programme include Gombe State, Anambra State and Kwara State, among others, with designated treatment and referral centres already activated for the rollout.
Medical experts, however, cautioned that while the injectable PrEP offers protection against HIV infection, it does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections, urging beneficiaries to continue observing safe health practices and regular medical checks.
They described the intervention as a major milestone in Nigeria’s HIV prevention campaign and reflects renewed commitment towards achieving epidemic control targets in the country.
