Nigeria has received a supply of Lenacapavir, a major advancement in the country’s efforts to curb the spread of HIV and strengthen its national prevention strategy.

The breakthrough medication was approved for use by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, with support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Lenacapavir is designed for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and provides an alternative to the daily oral drugs commonly used to prevent HIV infection. The injectable medication is administered twice a year, offering a more convenient option for people at risk compared with daily pills.

Health experts say the long-acting injection could significantly improve treatment adherence, particularly among individuals who struggle to maintain a daily medication routine.

According to Adebobola Bashorun, National Coordinator of the National HIV Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme (NASCP), the arrival of Lenacapavir demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to adopting evidence-based innovations to accelerate progress in controlling the HIV epidemic.

Bashorun noted that expanding prevention options and strengthening service delivery will help reduce new infections and improve health outcomes nationwide. He added that NASCP, in collaboration with partners and stakeholders, will ensure the safe rollout and effective integration of Lenacapavir into Nigeria’s national HIV prevention programmes.

The medication is expected to become available in Nigeria and 119 other low- and middle-income countriesat an estimated annual cost of about $40 per person, following voluntary licensing agreements with generic pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Health officials say the introduction of the long-acting injection brings Nigeria closer to achieving the global goal of ending HIV as a public health threat.