The Federal Government has announced plans to roll out a new long-acting HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir, following the arrival of about 52,000 doses to support its initial phase of implementation.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, disclosed this during a media briefing in Abuja, noting that the initiative is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

According to him, the rollout reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to strengthen the country’s HIV response through innovation, expanded prevention services and increased domestic funding.

Nigeria has been selected by the Global Fund as one of nine early adopter countries for the introduction of the injectable drug for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), with implementation scheduled to commence in phases.

Health experts say Lenacapavir represents a major shift in HIV prevention, as it is administered once every six months, offering an alternative to daily oral PrEP, which has faced adherence challenges, particularly among high-risk populations.

Nigeria currently has the second-largest HIV burden globally, with an estimated 1.9 million people living with the virus, according to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS. Although prevalence has declined in recent years, new infections remain a concern.

Speaking at the event, National Coordinator of the National HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme, Adebobola Bashorun, said efforts were underway to expand access to the drug across more states, particularly targeting vulnerable populations.

He explained that the injectable would complement existing prevention options such as oral PrEP, rather than replace them, adding that national guidelines would determine its integration into ongoing programmes.

On safety, Bashorun noted that side effects observed so far have been mild, mostly limited to injection-site reactions, with no major adverse outcomes recorded.

Salako further revealed that the initiative is being supported through partnership with the Global Fund, while discussions are ongoing on long-term strategies including direct engagement with manufacturers and possible local production.

He emphasised that technology transfer and domestic manufacturing would be key to ensuring sustainability and reducing reliance on external support as Nigeria intensifies efforts to curb new HIV infections.