Nigeria Receives Injectable Medication For HIV Prevention

Nigeria has received its first consignment of long-acting injectable Lenacapavir, a new HIV prevention option expected to enhance national efforts to reduce new infections. The National Coordinator of the National HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Adebobola Bashorun, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, confirming that the medication arrived in the country on March 10, 2026, with support from the Global Fund.

He said the introduction of Lenacapavir for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) represents a major step forward in widening prevention options for individuals at risk of HIV infection.

The injectable, taken twice a year, is expected to improve adherence and reach populations who struggle with daily oral PrEP.

Dr. Bashorun said the approval by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare underscores Nigeria’s commitment to deploying innovative, evidence-based tools to accelerate progress toward controlling the HIV epidemic.

NASCP noted that the rollout of Lenacapavir will be carried out in collaboration with partners to ensure safe introduction, strategic deployment, and integration into the national HIV prevention programme.