The Nigerian government has commenced the rollout of a new long-acting HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir, but says pregnant women will not use it due to insufficient safety data.
The rollout, which will begin in eight states – Anambra, Ebonyi, Gombe, Kwara, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)- is part of efforts to expand access to innovative HIV prevention options.
The Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Temitope Ilori, disclosed this on Monday at a media briefing organised by the National HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme (NASCP) under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja.
Ms Ilori said while global trials suggest the drug is largely safe, there is insufficient evidence to support its use during pregnancy.
Even though LenPrEP is considered very safe based on global studies, it is not recommended for pregnant women. It is important to emphasise that this is a preventive intervention, not a treatment,” she said.
She described Lenacapavir as a highly innovative addition to HIV prevention tools but cautioned against overestimating its capabilities, stressing that it does not protect against other infections.
We must stress that it does not prevent sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancy or other infections like hepatitis. People must continue to take comprehensive precautions,” she said.
