Nigeria Receives 11,520 Doses of Lenacapavir for HIV Prevention

Nigeria has taken delivery of its first batch of 11,520 doses of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention, donated by the Global Fund. The handover occurred on Wednesday at the Federal Central Medical Store in Oshodi, Lagos.

Lenacapavir is recommended by the World Health Organization as an additional option for HIV prevention, expected to improve adherence compared to daily pills. Mohan Patiko, from the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), described this development as a major milestone in expanding Nigeria's HIV prevention options.

Nigeria is among the first nine countries globally to introduce this drug, with a total of 52,000 doses expected, including additional batches scheduled for May and October. The drug will be provided free of charge to selected participants in a pilot program targeting individuals at higher risk of HIV infection, including sero-discordant couples and sex workers.

Lenacapavir will be distributed across eight pilot locations: Kwara, Gombe, Anambra, Ebonyi, Federal Capital Territory, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Benue.