Nigeria commences Lenacapavir rollout for HIV prevention

NIGERIA—Nigeria has begun rolling out Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking twice-yearly injectable HIV-prevention medication, across eight states, including Anambra, Ebonyi, Gombe, Kwara, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory.

The Global Fund and the World Health Organisation, which endorsed the drug globally in July 2025, support this initiative as Nigeria works to provide its citizens with more innovative HIV prevention options.

Addressing a critical prevention gap

During a briefing in Abuja, Adebobola Bashorun, the National Coordinator of the National HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and STDs Control Programme, explained that the rollout strategy emerged from careful programme analysis and stakeholder collaboration.

Rather than serving as a cure, Lenacapavir complements existing prevention methods such as oral pre-exposure prophylaxis and long-acting injectable cabotegravir.

The Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Temitope Ilori, noted that while global trials demonstrate the drug’s safety, evidence remains insufficient for use during pregnancy. She stressed that Lenacapavir represents prevention, not treatment.

Simplifying HIV prevention

Unlike daily oral medications that demand consistent adherence, Lenacapavir requires only two injections annually.

This substantial reduction in frequency addresses a persistent challenge that has undermined HIV prevention efforts. Stigma, forgetfulness, and limited healthcare access have historically made daily pill regimens difficult for many individuals to maintain.

By reducing this burden, Lenacapavir could significantly enhance protection rates and support Nigeria’s commitment to ending AIDS as a public health emergency by 2030.

Rolling out across the Nation

Nigeria secured selection as one of nine early adopter countries by the Global Fund after expressing interest in March 2025, according to the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako.

The country has received 52,000 doses to support the introduction, with the initial 11,520 doses already delivered.

Preparations are now underway for nationwide and facility-level rollout, with additional tranches arriving in May and October 2026.

Lenacapavir targets HIV-negative individuals facing substantial infection risk, including those with HIV-positive partners, individuals with multiple sexual partners, sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs.

Confronting Nigeria’s HIV challenge

Nigeria hosts approximately 1.9 to two million people living with HIV, making it home to the world’s second-largest HIV epidemic.

The national prevalence stands at 1.4 percent among adults aged 15–49, though regional variations exist, with the South-South zone experiencing particularly high rates among vulnerable populations.

This intervention marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s HIV prevention strategy.

However, authorities must ensure that the public understands this represents prevention rather than a licence for risky behaviour.

Simultaneously, Nigeria should pursue opportunities to localize production through licensing agreements, reducing dependence on international sources while strengthening the nation’s pharmaceutical capacity.

Sustained collaborative efforts among government, private sectors, and civil society organisations remain essential to achieving the ambitious goal of zero new HIV cases by 2030.