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| Lenacapavir, a revolutionary long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention. |
ABUJA – In a significant leap toward ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the Federal Government has announced the arrival of 52,000 doses of Lenacapavir, a revolutionary long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention.
A Game-Changer for Prevention
Unlike traditional Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) which requires a daily pill, Lenacapavir is administered just once every six months. This shift is expected to solve the "adherence challenge" that has hindered HIV prevention in Nigeria, where many at-risk individuals struggle to maintain a daily medication schedule.
Nigeria as a Global "Early Adopter"
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, revealed on Monday, March 23, 2026, that Nigeria is one of only nine countries globally selected by the Global Fund to pioneer this rollout.
- Rollout Start: January 2026.
- Target: Ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030.
- Scope: 52,000 doses secured for the initial phase.
Why This Matters
Nigeria currently has the second-largest HIV epidemic in the world, with approximately 1.9 million people living with the virus. Public health experts have long identified "prevention" as the weakest link in the national response due to:
- Stigma: Fear of being seen with daily HIV medication.
- Access Barriers: Difficulty in consistently reaching health centers for refills.
- Sustainability: Dependence on daily pills creates a high risk of "missed doses."
Safety and Local Production
National Coordinator of the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme, Adebobola Bashorun, assured the public that side effects are mild, mostly limited to temporary pain at the injection site.
Looking ahead, Minister Salako emphasized that the government is exploring local production and technology transfer to reduce dependence on foreign donors and ensure every Nigerian at risk can access this life-saving innovation.
Key Takeaways for Information Hub Readers:
- The Drug: Lenacapavir (Injectable PrEP).
- Frequency: One injection every 6 months.
- The Goal: To drastically reduce new infections among high-risk and vulnerable populations.
- Availability: Part of a structured rollout starting January 2026 via the Global Fund partnership.
