Nigeria has taken a major step in the fight against HIV with the arrival of a new injectable prevention drug.
The National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare confirmed that the long-acting injectable Lenacapavir, known as LEN, has arrived.
Approved by the Coordinating Minister of Health and supported through the Global Fund, LEN offers an alternative to daily oral PrEP medications, improving adherence and expanding access for individuals at higher risk of HIV infection.
In a statement on Wednesday, Dr Adebobola Bashorun, National Coordinator of NASCP, described the rollout as a key milestone in broadening innovative HIV prevention options nationwide.
“The arrival of Long-Acting Injectable Lenacapavir underscores Nigeria’s commitment to implementing effective, evidence-based interventions to curb the HIV epidemic,” he said.
Dr Bashorun explained that NASCP would work closely with partners and stakeholders to ensure the safe introduction, strategic deployment, and integration of LEN PrEP into the national HIV prevention framework.
He said the initiative would enhance access to prevention services, reduce new infections, and improve health outcomes across the country.
NASCP reaffirmed its commitment to promoting equitable access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care, highlighting Nigeria’s continued efforts to strengthen the fight against the disease.
On March 2, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) had announced that Nigeria would take delivery of consignments of Lenacapavir this month.
It said the drug would be rolled out in nine priority states and the FCT. The states are Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, Gombe, Kano, Kwara, and Lagos.
RN
