FG set to launch HIV prevention injection as 52,000 doses arrive

The Federal Government has announced plans to roll out a new long-acting HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir, as part of efforts to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, said the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s HIV response through innovation, expanded prevention services, and increased domestic financing.

Salako disclosed this on Monday during a media briefing organised by the National HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja.

“The government of Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 through a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach that prioritises the expansion of prevention, treatment, and care services,” he said.

Nigeria has been selected by the Global Fund as one of nine early adopter countries for the introduction of Lenacapavir for pre-exposure prophylaxis, with rollout scheduled to begin in January 2026.

According to Salako, about 52,000 doses of the injectable drug have been secured for the initial phase of implementation.

Lenacapavir, a long-acting antiretroviral, is administered once every six months, marking a significant shift from daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) regimens, which have faced adherence challenges, particularly among high-risk populations.

Nigeria has the second-largest burden of HIV/AIDS globally, with an estimated 1.9 million people living with the virus, according to data from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS. Despite a decline in prevalence, new infections remain a major public health concern.

Experts have identified prevention as the weakest link in Nigeria’s HIV response, with limited uptake of oral PrEP due to stigma, access barriers, and adherence challenges.

Salako described the introduction of Lenacapavir as a major advancement, especially for vulnerable populations.

Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme, Adebobola Bashorun, said efforts are underway to expand access across more states.

“As we scale up, we are exploring catalytic funding to increase the number of doses and extend coverage to populations most at risk,” Bashorun said.

He added that the injectable drug would complement existing prevention methods rather than replace them, noting that national guidelines would determine its integration into current programmes.

On safety, Bashorun explained that reported side effects have been mild and largely limited to injection-site reactions.

Salako further noted that the rollout is being supported through partnership with the Global Fund, adding that discussions are ongoing to explore local production and technology transfer to ensure long-term sustainability.