Nigeria has recorded a major boost in its HIV prevention efforts with the arrival of the first batch of lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable designed to reduce new infections.
The Federal Government on Wednesday received 11,520 doses of the medication at the Federal Central Stores in Oshodi, Lagos, marking the start of a phased rollout supported by the Global Fund.
Officials disclosed that the delivery is part of a larger consignment of 52,000 doses expected in three batches throughout the year.
Speaking at the reception, Head of Procurement and Supply Chain Management at the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), Mohammed Patiko, described the development as a significant milestone in the country’s HIV response.
“We are here to receive the first tranche of a total of 52,000 doses of the lenacapavir injection, donated by the Global Fund to Nigeria as one of the nine adopted countries in the world,” he said.
Patiko explained that the injectable is designed as a preventive measure, particularly for individuals at higher risk of infection.
“It is a prevention commodity expected to reduce infections. We are expecting three batches, the first one received today is 11,520 doses, the second will come in May, and the third in October,” he added.
The initial rollout will focus on targeted groups, including “serodiscordant couples, people at risk of HIV/AIDS, and key populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), and transgender persons”.
According to him, the drug will be administered free of charge during a pilot phase in selected states.
“For the National HIV Programme pilot and study, the injection will be provided free of charge to all clients who are enrolled and will be available at designated health facilities in eight pilot states,” he said.
The participating states include Kwara, Gombe, Ebonyi, Anambra, the Federal Capital Territory, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Benue, with distribution expected to commence next week using existing supply systems.
Health officials say the introduction of lenacapavir strengthens Nigeria’s HIV prevention strategy and complements ongoing testing and treatment programmes.
Lagos State AIDS Programme Coordinator, Oladipupo Fisher, said the initiative aligns with efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030.
“Nigeria is on track to eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030. These prevention products are crucial to achieving global targets. They will help reduce new infections and contribute to epidemic control by 2030,” he said.
He added that prevention and treatment must work together to reduce transmission.
“For those already infected, treatment reduces viral load, making transmission less likely. Increased testing and treatment enrollment remain key strategies. The goal is to reduce both new and existing infections.”
