Nigeria has received 11,520 doses of lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug designed to prevent HIV infection, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to curb the spread of the virus.
The consignment was officially received by the federal government at the Federal Central Stores in Oshodi, Lagos, as part of a broader Global Fund-supported initiative.
According to Mohammed Patiko, head of procurement and supply chain management at the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), the shipment represents the first batch of a total of 52,000 doses expected in three phases.
Patiko explained that the injection will be distributed to selected groups at higher risk of HIV infection, including serodiscordant couples and key populations such as sex workers and men who have sex with men.
He added that the drug will be provided free of charge to participants enrolled in a pilot programme and will be available at designated health facilities across eight states — Kwara, Gombe, Ebonyi, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Distribution of the doses is expected to begin next week through established health logistics systems.
Also speaking, Oladipupo Fisher, Lagos State AIDS programme coordinator, described the introduction of lenacapavir as a major boost to Nigeria’s HIV prevention strategy.
He noted that the country remains on track to eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030, stressing that expanded access to prevention tools, alongside testing and treatment, is essential to reducing new infections and controlling the epidemic.
