- Nigeria receives first batch of lenacapavir HIV prevention drug.
- 11,520 doses delivered, with more shipments expected.
- Drug targets high-risk groups and will be free in pilot states.
- Injection offers easier protection compared to daily HIV pills.
Nigeria has recorded a major milestone in public health with the arrival of the lenacapavir HIV prevention drug, a long-acting injectable expected to significantly reduce new infections and support efforts to eliminate HIV by 2030.
Nigeria has taken delivery of the first batch of Lenacapavir, a breakthrough injectable designed to prevent HIV infection.
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The consignment was officially received by the Federal Government on Wednesday at the Federal Central Stores in Oshodi, Lagos, marking the start of a new phase in the country’s HIV prevention strategy.
Nigeria is one of only nine countries selected globally for the early rollout of the drug, highlighting its importance in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
Speaking at the event, Mohammed Patiko of the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) confirmed that 11,520 doses have been received out of a total of 52,000 doses expected in three phases.
“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,” he said.
The supply is part of a Global Fund-supported initiative aimed at reducing HIV infections, especially among high-risk populations.
The injection will be made available free of charge during the pilot phase to eligible participants enrolled in the national HIV programme.
Target groups include:
• Serodiscordant couples
• People at high risk of HIV exposure
• Key populations such as sex workers, men who have sex with men, and transgender persons
The rollout will begin in selected pilot states, including:
• Kwara
• Gombe
• Ebonyi
• Anambra
• Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
• Akwa Ibom
• Cross River
• Benue
Health officials say distribution to designated secondary health facilities is expected to begin next week using existing logistics systems.
Unlike traditional daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which many users struggle to take consistently, lenacapavir is administered twice a year, making it far more convenient.
Public health experts believe this could significantly improve adherence and increase protection among vulnerable groups.
The introduction of this long-acting injectable is expected to play a key role in Nigeria’s goal of ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030.