Nigeria has been selected as one of nine early adopter countries for Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug designed to prevent HIV infection, with 179,700 doses expected by 2028.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in Abuja by the Global Fund’s Country Director, Jean-Thomas Nouboussi, during the official launch of the drug.
He said the rollout would begin in eight states and the Federal Capital Territory, describing it as a major milestone in strengthening HIV prevention efforts.
Lenacapavir, administered twice a year, is seen as a game-changer in addressing the challenges of adherence to daily oral PrEP, which has limited uptake among many at-risk populations.
UNAIDS Country Director Tina Bonto noted that while Nigeria has made progress in reducing new infections, about 48,000 cases are still recorded annually, highlighting persistent gaps in prevention.
She expressed optimism that the introduction of the drug would help accelerate progress towards epidemic control.
The WHO representative, Dr Alex Chambaru, said Nigeria’s adoption demonstrates strong commitment to delivering integrated and people-centred healthcare, adding that the drug should complement existing prevention strategies.
Director-General of NACA, Dr Temitope Ilori, described the innovation as a crucial addition to Nigeria’s HIV response, emphasising its role in improving compliance and preventing new infections.
Stakeholders also stressed the importance of increased domestic funding and sustained partnerships to ensure long-term success.
Josephine Aseme, a community leader and the first Nigerian recipient of the injection, said the drug offers a simpler and more accessible prevention option, particularly for vulnerable groups facing stigma and barriers to care.
The introduction of Lenacapavir is expected to significantly expand HIV prevention choices and support Nigeria’s goal of ending the epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.
