Nigeria targets end to AIDS by 2030, rolls out 6-month HIV prevention injection

2026-03-23 - 13:03

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja Abuja – In a landmark move to strengthen the fight against HIV/AIDS, the Federal Government has introduced Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention administered once every six months. The initiative marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, disclosed the development on Monday during a press briefing in Abuja. He described the rollout as a critical step toward expanding prevention, treatment, and care services while strengthening domestic financing and eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV. “Unlike daily oral PrEP, Lenacapavir is administered once every six months, making it a highly convenient and discreet prevention option, particularly for key and vulnerable populations,” Salako said. He added that the drug has demonstrated high efficacy in reducing the risk of HIV acquisition and has a safety profile comparable to existing oral therapies. Nigeria was selected by the Global Fund as one of nine early adopter countries worldwide for the introduction of Lenacapavir, with 52,000 doses already made available for the initial rollout across selected states. Eight states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) – including Anambra, Ebonyi, Gombe, Kwara, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Benue – will participate in the first phase. Salako explained that Lenacapavir is designed for HIV-negative individuals, particularly those who may struggle with adherence to daily oral medication. He said the drug will complement existing HIV prevention tools, including oral PrEP and long-acting injectable Cabotegravir (CAB-PrEP), giving individuals more choices suited to their lifestyles and risk profiles. The Ministry has developed a Rapid Advice on Lenacapavir for PrEP, alongside the 2025–2028 National PrEP Implementation Plan, to guide the rollout. The framework addresses governance, service delivery, supply chain management, demand creation, financing, and community engagement. Preparations for the rollout include regulatory approvals from NAFDAC, training of healthcare providers, facility readiness assessments, and community awareness campaigns. The first batch of injections arrived in Nigeria on March 10, 2026, and nationwide launch activities are underway. “The introduction of Lenacapavir represents a major milestone in Nigeria’s HIV prevention response,” Salako said. “As one of the early adopter countries, Nigeria’s successful implementation will expand prevention choices for individuals at risk and accelerate progress toward ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.”