Nigeria receives 11,520 doses of groundbreaking HIV prevention injection

2026-03-18 - 14:03

... Targets 2030 elimination goal By Sola Ogundipe Nigeria has taken a major step in its fight against HIV with the arrival of the first tranche of lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug expected to transform HIV prevention and accelerate progress toward eliminating the disease by 2030. Officially taking delivery of the consignment on Wednesday at the Federal Central Stores, Oshodi, Lagos, health authorities confirmed the delivery of 11,520 doses of the injection, part of a total 52,000 doses expected in three batches, under a Global Fund-supported initiative. Nigeria is among nine countries globally selected for the early rollout of the groundbreaking injection, underscoring its strategic importance in the global HIV response. Speaking at the reception, the Head of Procurement and Supply Chain Management, National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Pharm. Mohammed Patiko, described the delivery as a critical milestone in expanding Nigeria’s HIV prevention toolkit. Patiko who represented the National Coordinator of the NASCP said, “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. “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. “The target population includes serodiscordant couples, people at risk of HIV/AIDS, and key populations such as MSM men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), and transgender persons. “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. “These are the Global Fund-supported states of Kwara, Gombe, Ebonyi, and Anambra. Other states are the FCT, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Benue and it will be available at designated secondary health facilities in these states.” Noting that distribution is expected to commence next week to designated facilities through existing logistics systems, Patiko noted that unlike daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which has been associated with adherence challenges, lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable administered twice yearly, offers a more convenient alternative. “Public health experts say this long-acting option could dramatically improve uptake, particularly among high-risk groups. The pilot phase will target key populations, including serodiscordant couples and individuals at heightened risk of HIV exposure, such as sex workers, men who have sex with men, and transgender persons. Also speaking, Dr. Oladipupo Fisher, State AIDS Programme Coordinator, Lagos, said the introduction of lenacapavir strengthens the country’s multi-pronged prevention strategy. Fisher emphasised that Nigeria is leveraging a combination of prevention tools including oral PrEP, vaginal rings, and other injectables, alongside aggressive testing and treatment campaigns. “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. “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. Prevention tools like this injection reduce the likelihood of acquiring HIV and help curb its spread, but adherence to treatment is critical. “Health promotion is key, we must encourage people to take responsibility for their health. We are also creating awareness through multiple platforms, including social media, to inform people about availability and benefits. When individuals on treatment achieve viral suppression, they are far less likely to transmit the virus. That is central to our strategy,” he stated. On her part, Pharm. Chiagozie Mgbemena of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), said the injection is safe. “For any drug to be approved, it must meet safety standards. While clinical trials were not conducted locally, rollout provides an opportunity to monitor safety in our population. “We have pharmacovigilance systems in place to track adverse drug reactions. Any serious side effects will be reported to NAFDAC, which will guide further action. “Adherence is critical. Patients will receive counselling and education to ensure proper use and minimise risks. Like all medicines, there may be potential long-term effects. Continuous monitoring, documentation, and reporting will ensure any issues are addressed promptly. With approximately 1.9 million people living with HIV in Nigeria, innovations like lenacapavir could mark a turning point in reversing the epidemic by simplifying prevention and expanding access, the country hopes to close longstanding gaps in adherence and reach populations most at risk.