Nigerians have begun scrambling for Lenacapavir, a newly introduced injection for the prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, ahead of its nationwide roll-out.
Findings showed that many individuals, particularly those aware of pre-exposure prophylaxis, have been approaching health facilities and non-governmental organisations across states in a bid to access it.
The development comes as the Federal Government begins deploying the twice-yearly HIV prevention medication in selected pilot states amid rising demand and growing public interest.
Nigeria HIV statistics, Lenacapavir
Lenacapavir is a twice-yearly injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis drug developed by Gilead Sciences and recommended by the World Health Organisation as an additional PrEP option.
It offers a long-acting alternative to daily HIV prevention pills.
The WHO’s endorsement in July 2025 marked a milestone in global HIV prevention strategy as the organisation urged nations to incorporate the injectable into broader prevention programmes.
Based on 2024-2025 estimates from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS and the Joint United Nations Programme on
HIV/AIDS, there are approximately two million people living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
The Federal Government, through the National HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, announced the receipt of the HIV prevention injection on March 11.
The National Coordinator of NASCP, Dr Adebobola Bashorun, said the agency, in collaboration with partners and stakeholders, would work to ensure the safe introduction, strategic deployment, and effective integration of Lenacapavir into national HIV prevention options.
It was gathered that the Federal Government is expecting a total of 52,000 doses, out of which 11,520 have been delivered.
Nine states of Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, Gombe, Kano, Kwara, and Lagos, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, have been listed as pilot locations for the rollout of the injection.
It was further learnt that Lenacapavir will be unveiled on March 24 across the states and the FCT.
The memo informing the pilot states about the national inauguration of the injection was signed by Bashorun, as sighted by Sunday PUNCH.
Findings revealed that health workers are currently undergoing training on standard procedures and guidelines for administering the PrEP.
For now, the injection, though free, is not yet available in pharmacies.
Our correspondents gathered that the HIV pre-exposure injection would be administered at designated health centres, including general hospitals across the pilot states.
Credit: healthwise.punchng.com
