The Federal Government on Wednesday confirmed the receipt of the HIV prevention injection known as Lenacapavir, marking a significant development in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its HIV prevention strategy and expand access to innovative health interventions aimed at reducing new infections across the country.
The announcement was made in a statement by the National Coordinator of the National HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme (NASCP) at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adebobola Bashorun, who described the arrival of the long-acting injectable medication as an important milestone in the country’s response to HIV and a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging scientific innovation and evidence-based solutions to accelerate progress toward epidemic control. Lenacapavir, also known as LEN, is an injectable HIV prevention treatment administered twice a year, offering a more convenient and potentially more effective alternative to daily oral preventive medications currently used by individuals at risk of contracting the virus.
In the statement, Bashorun emphasized that the introduction of the medication represents a strategic step forward in expanding the range of prevention tools available in the national HIV response, noting that the government, through NASCP, will work closely with partners and key stakeholders to ensure the safe and effective rollout of the intervention across the country.
According to him, “NASCP, in collaboration with partners and stakeholders, will work to ensure the safe introduction, strategic deployment, and effective integration of Lenacapavir into the national HIV prevention options.” He added that the rollout of the injectable drug would complement existing HIV prevention initiatives while helping to increase access to preventive services for populations at risk of infection. Bashorun further explained that the deployment of the medication would strengthen Nigeria’s broader HIV response by providing additional prevention choices and addressing barriers associated with existing daily oral preventive medications.
The NASCP coordinator also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding access to comprehensive HIV services across the country, stressing that the arrival of the long-acting injectable drug demonstrates Nigeria’s resolve to adopt innovative solutions in the fight against HIV. He stated, “The rollout will support ongoing efforts to increase access to prevention services while reinforcing Nigeria’s broader HIV response.”
Bashorun added that the national programme remains focused on improving access to prevention, testing, treatment and care for individuals living with or at risk of HIV infection. “NASCP remains committed to advancing equitable access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care services. 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. Together, Nigeria moves closer to ending HIV as a public health threat,” he said.
Health authorities noted that Lenacapavir represents a major advancement in HIV prevention because of its long-acting formulation, which requires administration only twice a year, making it a more convenient option for individuals who may find it difficult to adhere to daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medications.
The statement explained that the introduction of Lenacapavir for PrEP marks a significant step toward broadening the range of prevention choices available to individuals who are at risk of HIV infection. By reducing the need for daily medication and offering a long-acting injectable alternative, the intervention is expected to improve adherence to prevention programmes and expand access to effective HIV prevention services, particularly for populations that may face challenges in maintaining daily oral prevention routines.
Further highlighting the potential impact of the new intervention, the statement noted that the availability of Lenacapavir could significantly strengthen HIV prevention efforts in Nigeria by improving service delivery and reducing new infections nationwide. According to the statement, “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.”
It added that by expanding prevention options and strengthening service delivery systems, Nigeria is taking decisive steps to reduce the rate of new HIV infections and improve overall health outcomes for communities across the country. “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,” the statement further read.
The statement also disclosed that the injectable drug is expected to become available in Nigeria and 119 other low- and middle-income countries at a cost of approximately 40 dollars per person annually, following voluntary licensing agreements with generic manufacturers aimed at ensuring affordability and broader access to the medication.
The introduction of the drug in Nigeria is part of a wider global effort to scale up access to innovative HIV prevention technologies in countries with high disease burden and limited resources. The Federal Government indicated that the milestone was approved by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, and is being supported through the Global Fund as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s HIV prevention strategy and ensure that new scientific advancements are rapidly integrated into national health programmes.
The ministry noted that the arrival of Lenacapavir represents a major step forward in the country’s HIV prevention efforts and reflects Nigeria’s continued determination to adopt innovative approaches that can accelerate progress toward ending HIV as a public health threat. The statement emphasized that the collaboration between the Federal Government, development partners and stakeholders will be critical to ensuring that the rollout of the long-acting injectable drug is effectively implemented and accessible to populations that need it most.
It added, “This milestone, approved by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate and supported through the Global Fund, represents a major advancement in the country’s HIV prevention efforts and further strengthens Nigeria’s commitment to expanding innovative HIV prevention options.”