Nigeria Launches Lenacapavir HIV Prevention Rollout

Nigeria has launched a phased rollout of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention, targeting eight states and the Federal Capital Territory as part of its strategy to curb new infections. The initiative, announced by health officials in Abuja, begins with 52,000 doses supplied through international partnerships and aims to reach HIV-negative individuals at high risk, administered as a twice-yearly injection to simplify adherence compared to daily pills.

The drug, recommended by the World Health Organization in July 2025, blocks key stages in the HIV life cycle to prevent infection upon exposure. It targets populations such as those with HIV-positive partners, individuals with multiple sexual partners, sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs. The initial phase covers Anambra, Ebonyi, Gombe, Kwara, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory, with plans for nationwide expansion by 2028, when up to 179,700 doses will be available.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Iziaq Salako described the rollout as a pivotal advancement during a briefing in Abuja. "This is a controlled scale of...