Lenacapavir HIV prevention Nigeria milestone as the country receives the long-acting injection designed to prevent HIV infection twice yearly

Nigeria has officially received Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention injection, marking a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to curb new infections.

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The introduction of the medication under the Lenacapavir HIV prevention Nigeria initiative was approved by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, with support from the Global Fund.

Health authorities say the injectable drug is designed for pre-exposure prophylaxis and offers an alternative to daily oral medication.

The treatment provides protection for individuals at risk of HIV through a twice-yearly injection, a development experts believe could significantly improve adherence among patients who struggle with daily treatment routines.

The National Coordinator of the National HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and STDs Control Programme, Adebobola Bashorun, described the arrival of the medication as a powerful milestone in Nigeria’s HIV response strategy.

“By expanding prevention options and strengthening service delivery, we are taking decisive steps to reduce new HIV infections and improve health outcomes across the country,” Bashorun said.

Bashorun added that the programme, working with partners and stakeholders, would ensure the safe rollout and effective integration of Lenacapavir into Nigeria’s national HIV prevention programmes.

The health official expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen the country’s broader strategy aimed at controlling and eventually ending the HIV epidemic.

“Together, Nigeria moves closer to ending HIV as a public health threat,” Bashorun said.

Under voluntary licensing agreements with generic manufacturers, the medication is expected to be available in Nigeria and 119 other low- and middle-income countries at an estimated annual cost of about 40 dollars per person.

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Public health experts say the long-acting injection could transform prevention efforts by making HIV protection more accessible and convenient for vulnerable populations.