Nigeria has received its first shipment of the long-acting injectable drug Lenacapavir for HIV prevention, marking a significant step in expanding the country’s prevention options.
The development was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
According to the ministry, the injectable drug arrived in the country on Tuesday. It will be used for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a preventive treatment for people at risk of HIV infection.
The agency said the milestone, approved by the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, Muhammad Pate and supported by the Global Fund, represents a significant advancement in Nigeria’s HIV prevention efforts.
It added that the development further strengthens the country’s commitment to expanding innovative HIV prevention options.
“The introduction of Lenacapavir for PrEP marks a significant step towards broadening the range of prevention choices available to individuals at risk of HIV infection,” the statement noted.
As a long-acting injectable option, LEN PrEP has the potential to improve adherence and expand access to effective HIV prevention services for populations that may face challenges with daily oral prevention options.”
