A major advancement is about to be recorded by Nigeria in her public health response to HIV/AIDS as the Federal Government commences a pilot rollout of a long-acting preventive injection across selected states and the Federal Capital Territory.
As gathered, the initiative, which introduces the use of Lenacapavir, is expected to deploy a total of 52,000 doses nationwide. Reports indicate that an initial batch of 11,520 doses has already been received ahead of the official launch scheduled for March 24, 2026.
Information available to DrumAfricanews has it that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, through the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme (NASCP), successfully received the Lenacapavir (Len PrEP) commodities at the Federal Medical Store, Oshodi.
The commodities were officially received by Pharm. Patiko, representing the National Coordinator of NASCP. The event was witnessed by key stakeholders and partners, including representatives from the Lagos State Ministry of Health (LSMOH), IHVN, CHAI, as well as media houses who were present to document the occasion.
The arrival of Len PrEP marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s HIV prevention efforts, particularly for individuals at high risk of HIV infection, as it introduces a long-acting, convenient prevention option.
The public is hereby informed that the national launch of Len PrEP is scheduled to take place next week, with rollout planned in eight pilot states later this month or early next month, paving the way for wider access across the country.
The pilot programme will be implemented in eight states—Akwa Ibom State, Anambra State, Benue State, Cross River State, Ebonyi State, Gombe State, Kano State, and Lagos State—alongside the Federal Capital Territory.
Information available has it that these locations have been strategically selected to assess the effectiveness, accessibility, and acceptance of the intervention.
The programme is being coordinated under the supervision NASCP, with health professionals currently undergoing intensive training on proper administration protocols and clinical guidelines. The aim is to ensure standardised delivery and optimal outcomes across all participating centres.
Sources clarified that the injection will not be commercially available at this stage. Instead, it will be administered free of charge at designated public health facilities, including general hospitals within the pilot regions.
This approach is designed to enhance accessibility, particularly for high-risk populations and frontline health workers.
Lenacapavir, developed by Gilead Sciences and endorsed by the World Health Organization in July 2025, represents a major shift in HIV prevention strategies.
Unlike conventional daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) pills, the injectable formulation requires only two doses annually, offering a more convenient and potentially more effective alternative for individuals seeking preventive care.
Health officials have, however, emphasized a critical distinction: the injection is strictly preventive and does not serve as a cure for HIV.
Individuals already living with HIV will still require lifelong antiretroviral therapy. This clarification has been reinforced by advocacy groups, including the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), to prevent misinformation and misuse.
In Benue State, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services confirmed strong interest in the programme, particularly among healthcare providers who view the intervention as an important layer of protection in high-exposure environments.
The rollout comes against the backdrop of ongoing national efforts to curb the spread of HIV, with data from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS and UNAIDS indicating that approximately two million Nigerians are currently living with the virus.
Stakeholders are saying that the pilot as a strategic step toward scaling up innovative prevention tools, strengthening public health infrastructure, and ultimately reducing new infection rates across the country.
DrumAfricanews reports that if successful, the programme could pave the way for broader nationwide adoption of long-acting HIV prevention therapies.
