Abuja – With about 1.9 million people living with HIV, Nigeria ranks fourth globally in terms of HIV burden.
In a bid to strengthen prevention efforts, the Federal Government has announced the arrival of Lenacapavir (LEN), a long-acting injectable drug designed to reduce new infections.
Dr Adebobola Bashorun, Director and National Coordinator of the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday.
He explained that LEN, approved for use as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), arrived in the country on Tuesday with funding support from the Global Fund and approval from the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate.
According to Bashorun, the introduction of Lenacapavir expands Nigeria’s HIV prevention options, offering a long-acting injectable alternative that could improve adherence compared to daily oral PrEP.
“The arrival of LEN PrEP underscores Nigeria’s dedication to innovative, evidence-based measures to control HIV.
By expanding prevention options and strengthening service delivery, the country is taking steps to reduce new infections and improve health outcomes,” he said.
He added that NASCP will collaborate with partners and stakeholders to safely introduce and strategically deploy Lenacapavir nationwide.
