Benue State rolls out injectable HIV PrEP Lenacapavir in Nigeria

NIGERIA—The Benue State Government has launched Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention, in a major public health intervention aimed at reducing new infections and supporting the global goal of ending AIDS by 2030.

The state introduced the programme through a coordinated rollout that integrates prevention, treatment, and community outreach across health facilities.

The launch brings together national and international health stakeholders who are supporting Nigeria’s broader HIV response strategy.

Officials said the initiative strengthens ongoing efforts to expand access to innovative prevention tools, particularly in high-burden regions.

Multi-partner collaboration strengthens HIV response

The rollout was conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN), AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Tearfund, and RedAid Nigeria.

These partners worked alongside state health authorities, civil society organisations, and community representatives to support implementation and awareness creation.

The partners emphasised that long-acting HIV prevention options reflect a growing global shift toward more user-friendly and sustained adherence solutions.

Recent international health updates have also highlighted the increasing role of injectable prevention methods in improving uptake among populations facing challenges with daily oral medication adherence.

High HIV burden drives urgent action in Benue

Benue State continues to record one of the highest HIV treatment burdens in Nigeria.

According to the National Data Repository cited by TheCable Index as of 13 May, 195,305 people currently receive HIV treatment in the state, placing it above Akwa Ibom with 158,201 patients and Lagos with 135,918 patients.

Nationally, approximately 1.7 million people are on HIV treatment across Nigeria, underscoring the scale of the epidemic and the need for expanded prevention approaches.

The Nigeria AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS) further estimates Benue’s HIV prevalence at 4.7%, one of the highest in the country.

How Lenacapavir expands prevention options

Health officials described Lenacapavir as a long-acting injectable administered twice a year, offering an alternative to daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

They noted that the new option reduces barriers linked to adherence, stigma, and daily pill fatigue while increasing privacy for users at risk of HIV infection.

The state plans to prioritise high-risk populations, including adolescent girls, young women, key populations, and serodiscordant couples, to maximise impact and reduce new infections.

Government and health officials outline implementation plan

Benue State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Paul Ogwuche, said the rollout marks a significant milestone in strengthening HIV prevention services.

He explained that the programme will operate through the State AIDS and STI Control Programme in coordination with implementing partners to ensure equitable access across urban and rural communities.

He also emphasised the need for structured counselling, community engagement, and public education to support uptake and correct understanding of the injectable option.

Permanent Secretary Cephas Hough added that sustained awareness and responsible health behaviour remain essential alongside biomedical interventions.

He further noted that healthcare workers across Makurdi, Otukpo, Gboko, Aliade, and other areas will support delivery and monitoring of the programme.

Community engagement and awareness efforts

Stakeholders at the launch highlighted the importance of youth participation, community trust-building, and continuous education to strengthen HIV prevention outcomes.

They encouraged media practitioners and civil society actors to support accurate information dissemination and reduce stigma associated with HIV services.