What to know about the new HIV prevention injection

Nigeria is poised to strengthen its response to the HIV epidemic with the introduction of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting injectable for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

The rollout will initially launch across eight priority states: Anambra, Ebonyi, Gombe, Kwara, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This initiative marks a significant shift toward innovative, high-adherence prevention tools, supported by the Global Fund and the World Health Organization (WHO), which officially recommended the drug globally in July 2025.

What is Lenacapavir and why is it a game-changer?

Lenacapavir is an injectable antiretroviral medication designed for HIV-negative individuals who are at high risk of infection. While traditional PrEP requires a daily pill, Lenacapavir is administered just once every six months.

The advantages of long-acting PrEP:

• Ease of adherence: Eliminates the “pill fatigue” associated with daily medication.
• Discretion: Helps users avoid the social stigma sometimes linked to carrying or taking daily HIV medication.
• Consistency: With only two doses required per year, it provides a more sustainable shield against infection, supporting the global goal to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

Implementation and safety:

During a press briefing in Abuja, Adebobola Bashorun, National Coordinator of the National HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme (NASCP), clarified that Lenacapavir is a preventive tool, not a cure. It will complement existing options like oral PrEP and the two-monthly injectable, Cabotegravir.

Key safety considerations:

Pregnancy: Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), noted that while the drug is safe for the general population, it is not currently recommended for pregnant women due to insufficient clinical evidence in that specific group.

Side effects: Global trials indicate the drug is well-tolerated, with mild injection-site soreness being the most common reported issue.

Comprehensive health: Experts emphasize that Lenacapavir protects only against HIV; it does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy.

The road ahead: Nigeria as an early adopter

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, revealed that Nigeria is one of only nine countries selected as “early adopters” by the Global Fund. Approximately 52,000 doses have already been secured for this initial phase.

The phased rollout is designed to monitor the drug’s effectiveness within the Nigerian context before a nationwide scale-up. The program will prioritize individuals at substantial risk, including:

• Serodiscordant couples (where one partner is HIV-positive).
• Individuals with multiple sexual partners.
• Key populations, including sex workers and people who inject drugs.

The implementation will be governed by National PrEP Implementation Plan (2025–2028), focusing on robust supply chains, community engagement, and healthcare worker training.

Integration into the health system:

Lenacapavir is not a “silver bullet” but a new pillar in a diversified prevention strategy. By offering a “choice architecture” where Nigerians can choose between daily pills, bi-monthly injections, or six-monthly injections, health authorities hope to significantly increase the uptake of preventive services.

As the rollout begins, the government remains focused on overcoming systemic challenges, including public awareness, healthcare capacity, and ensuring equitable access for the country’s most vulnerable populations.

SOURCE: News scroll