Nigeria Receives 11,520 Doses of HIV Prevention Injection as Government Intensifies Fight Against New Infections
Nigeria has recorded a significant breakthrough in its public health response with the arrival of 11,520 doses of lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable designed to prevent new HIV infections.
The Whisperer reports that the Federal Government received the shipment on Wednesday at the Federal Central Stores in Oshodi, Lagos, signalling the commencement of a phased national rollout under a Global Fund-supported programme.
Health authorities confirmed that the delivery forms part of a broader consignment of 52,000 doses scheduled to arrive in three batches before the end of the year, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to curbing the spread of HIV.
Speaking during the reception, Mohammed Patiko, Head of Procurement and Supply Chain Management at the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), described the development as a landmark moment in the country’s HIV response strategy.
“We are here to receive the first tranche of a total of 52,000 doses of the lenacapavir injection, donated by the Global Fund to Nigeria as one of the nine adopted countries in the world,” he said.
Patiko explained that lenacapavir represents a new generation of prevention tools, particularly targeted at individuals and communities with a higher risk of HIV exposure.
“It is a prevention commodity expected to reduce infections. We are expecting three batches; the first received today is 11,520 doses, the second will arrive in May, and the third in October,” he added.
The initial phase of deployment will prioritise vulnerable and high-risk groups, including serodiscordant couples, individuals at risk of HIV infection, and key populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), and transgender persons.
According to Patiko, the injection will be administered free of charge as part of a pilot programme across selected states, ensuring accessibility for those most in need.
“For the National HIV Programme pilot and study, the injection will be provided free of charge to all enrolled clients and will be available at designated health facilities in eight pilot states,” he said.
The participating states include Kwara, Gombe, Ebonyi, Anambra, the Federal Capital Territory, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Benue. Distribution to health facilities is expected to commence next week through existing supply chain systems.
Public health experts believe the introduction of lenacapavir strengthens Nigeria’s multi-layered HIV prevention approach, complementing ongoing testing, treatment, and awareness initiatives.
Oladipupo Fisher, Lagos State AIDS Programme Coordinator, noted that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader target of ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
“Nigeria is on track to eliminate HIV/AIDS by 2030. These prevention products are crucial to achieving global targets. They will help reduce new infections and contribute significantly to epidemic control,” he said.
He further emphasised the importance of integrating prevention with sustained treatment efforts.
“For those already infected, treatment reduces viral load, making transmission less likely. Increased testing and treatment enrolment remain key strategies. The ultimate goal is to reduce both new and existing infections,” he added.
With the rollout of lenacapavir, Nigeria is taking a decisive step towards reducing HIV transmission rates, improving public health outcomes, and meeting global eradication targets.
