The federal government says Nigeria has received Long-Acting Injectable Lenacapavir for HIV prevention, marking a significant advancement in the country’s efforts to curb new infections.

Adebobola Bashorun, director and national coordinator of the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Ms Bashorun said the injectable drug, known as Lenacapavir (LEN), arrived in the country on Tuesday for use as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).

He noted that the development was approved by the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, Muhammad Pate, and supported through funding from the Global Fund.

According to Ms Bashorun, the introduction of Lenacapavir expands the range of HIV prevention options available to individuals at risk of infection. 

He explained that the long-acting injectable option could improve adherence to prevention services compared with daily oral PrEP.

“The introduction of Lenacapavir for PrEP marks a significant step toward broadening the range of prevention choices available to individuals at risk of HIV infection.

“As a long-acting injectable option, LEN 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,” he said.

The NASCP coordinator added that the arrival of the drug reflects Nigeria’s commitment to adopting innovative and evidence-based interventions to control the HIV epidemic.

“The arrival of LEN PrEP reflects Nigeria’s continued dedication to leveraging innovation and evidence-based interventions to accelerate progress toward epidemic control.

“By expanding prevention options and strengthening service delivery, the country is taking decisive steps to reduce new HIV infections and improve health outcomes for communities across Nigeria,” he stated.

Ms Bashorun said NASCP would work with partners and stakeholders to ensure the safe introduction, strategic deployment, and effective integration of Lenacapavir into the national HIV prevention framework. 

He added that the rollout would strengthen ongoing efforts to increase access to prevention services.

“The rollout will support ongoing efforts to increase access to prevention services while reinforcing Nigeria’s broader HIV response.

“The arrival of Long-Acting Injectable Lenacapavir is a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s resolve to scale up innovative solutions and strengthen the fight against HIV,” Ms Bashorun said.

He reaffirmed NASCP’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care services across Nigeria.

Nigeria ranks fourth globally in HIV burden, with about 1.9 million people living with the virus. However, experts say expanding access to prevention tools such as PrEP is critical to reducing new infections and achieving epidemic control. 

(NAN)