The Nigerian government has introduced Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention, marking a significant expansion of the country’s prevention toolkit. The Federal Ministry of Health announced the rollout on March 27, 2026, in Abuja, positioning the bi-annual injection as a key tool to reduce new HIV infections.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mr. Ali Pate, described the intervention as a major advancement in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Unlike daily oral PrEP pills, Lenacapavir requires administration just twice a year. This extended dosing schedule is expected to address adherence challenges and broaden protection for populations at high risk of HIV exposure.
“This long-acting option significantly reduces the burden of daily pill-taking and can enhance discreet, consistent protection,” Pate stated. He emphasized that the drug’s introduction aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, a target in line with global
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