Nigeria Expands HIV Prevention with New Options

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have called for increased adoption of various HIV prevention options in Nigeria, including long-acting injectable PrEP, oral medication, condoms, and abstinence. This initiative was announced during a two-day training for media personnel in Lagos.

NACA Director-General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, reported that Nigeria recorded approximately 45,000 new HIV infections in 2025, with a concerning increase among young people despite a general decline in infections over the years. Ilori highlighted the decline in condom use among young Nigerians and urged sexually active individuals to practice safer sex and utilize available prevention services.

Currently, Nigeria offers daily oral PrEP and injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) every two months, with a pilot for LEN-PrEP every six months. The WHO's Dr. Oluwafunke Odunlade explained that PrEP is effective in preventing HIV when used correctly and emphasized the need for integrated healthcare services.