FG Begins Rollout of Long-Acting HIV Prevention Injection

Abuja — The Federal Government has launched the phased rollout of a new long-acting injectable drug, Lenacapavir, aimed at preventing HIV infection and expanding options for at-risk populations across Nigeria.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, announced the development on Monday during a media briefing organised by the National HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme under the Federal Ministry of Health in Abuja.

Salako said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment under President Bola Tinubu to eliminate HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 through expanded prevention, treatment and care services.

The drug, a form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), is administered once every six months and is designed to significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection. According to the minister, its biannual dosing offers improved convenience and adherence compared to daily oral alternatives, while also providing a more discreet option for vulnerable groups.

About 52,000 doses have been secured to support the initial phase of deployment, which will cover eight states — Anambra, Ebonyi, Gombe, Kwara, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Benue — as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

Salako noted that the rollout followed extensive preparatory work, including regulatory approvals, training of healthcare workers, facility readiness assessments and improvements in supply chain and monitoring systems.

He described the introduction of Lenacapavir as a major milestone in Nigeria’s HIV response, adding that it will complement existing prevention tools such as oral PrEP and other long-acting options, while widening access for those at risk.

Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Temitope Ilori, cautioned that the injectable is not recommended for pregnant women due to limited data on its safety in pregnancy, despite encouraging global evidence on its effectiveness.

She also stressed that the drug does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, including hepatitis.

Meanwhile, the National Coordinator of the programme, Adebobola Bashorun, said efforts are underway to expand access nationwide. He noted that the government is exploring additional funding to increase supply and extend coverage to high-risk populations.

Health authorities emphasised that the injectable will serve as a complementary option rather than a replacement for existing HIV prevention methods.