- The Federal Government has secured 52,000 doses of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug administered only once every six months for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
- Nigeria has been selected by the Global Fund as one of nine early adopter countries to pilot this advanced treatment, which aims to overcome the adherence challenges of daily oral pills.
- Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, stated that the rollout is a critical step in President Bola Tinubu’s strategy to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat in Nigeria by 2030.
The Federal Government is preparing to revolutionize HIV prevention in Nigeria with the introduction of Lenacapavir, a breakthrough injectable antiretroviral.
Eko Hot Blog reports that speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Monday, March 23, 2026, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, announced that the initial 52,000 doses have already been secured.
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This development is part of a broader effort to strengthen the national response to the HIV epidemic, particularly for high-risk and vulnerable populations who may struggle with the daily requirements of existing oral prevention regimens.
Nigeria currently holds the second-largest HIV epidemic globally, with approximately 1.9 million people living with the virus.
While general prevalence has seen a downward trend, health experts have long identified prevention as the “weakest link” in the national strategy.
Stigma and the logistical difficulty of taking a daily pill have limited the effectiveness of traditional PrEP.
The new injectable option, supported by the Global Fund, offers a “set-and-forget” alternative that remains active in the body for half a year, significantly lowering the risk of new infections.
Adebobola Bashorun, the National Coordinator of the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme, clarified that Lenacapavir will complement existing methods rather than replace them.
The government is currently developing national policy guidelines to integrate the injection into the current healthcare framework, starting with specific high-risk groups.
While side effects are reported to be mild, primarily limited to temporary pain at the injection site authorities will actively monitor the initial rollout to ensure safety and effectiveness across more states.
Looking toward long-term sustainability, Dr. Salako mentioned that the government is exploring pathways for local production.
By engaging directly with manufacturers and seeking technology transfers, Nigeria aims to reduce its heavy reliance on external donors for life-saving medications.
This proactive approach is seen as essential for managing the country’s health resources as it moves toward the 2030 deadline for ending the AIDS epidemic.
