Nigeria has taken a major step in its HIV prevention efforts with the arrival of the first batch of lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable designed to reduce new infections.
The federal government on Wednesday received 11,520 doses of the medication at the Federal Central Stores in Oshodi, Lagos, marking the beginning of a phased rollout under a Global Fund-backed programme.
Officials say the shipment represents the first portion of a larger consignment of 52,000 doses expected to arrive in three batches over the course of the year.
Mohammed Patiko, head of procurement and supply chain management at the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), described the delivery as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s HIV response.
“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 as one of the nine adopted countries in the world,” he said.
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Patiko explained that the injectable is intended as a preventive tool, particularly for populations considered at higher risk of HIV infection.
“It is a prevention commodity expected to reduce infections. We are expecting three batches, the first one received today is 11,520 doses, the second will come in May, and the third in October,” he added.
The initial rollout will target specific groups, including “serodiscordant couples, people at risk of HIV/AIDS, and key populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), and transgender persons”.
According to Patiko, the drug will be administered free of charge במסגרת a pilot phase in selected states.
“For the National HIV Programme pilot and study, the injection will be provided free of charge to all clients who are enrolled and will be available at designated health facilities in eight pilot states,” he said.
He listed the participating states as Kwara, Gombe, Ebonyi, Anambra, the Federal Capital Territory, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Benue, noting that distribution to facilities is scheduled to begin next week using existing supply systems.
Health officials believe the introduction of lenacapavir adds a new layer to Nigeria’s HIV prevention strategy, complementing ongoing testing and treatment efforts.
Oladipupo Fisher, Lagos State AIDS programme coordinator, said the development aligns with the country’s long-term goal of ending the epidemic.
“Nigeria is on track to eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030. These prevention products are crucial to achieving global targets. They will help reduce new infections and contribute to epidemic control by 2030,” he said.
He stressed that prevention and treatment must go hand in hand.
“For those already infected, treatment reduces viral load, making transmission less likely. Increased testing and treatment enrollment remain key strategies. The goal is to reduce both new and existing infections.”
