By Peter Omopo
Nigeria has received 11,520 doses of , a long-acting injectable designed to reduce new HIV infections, marking a significant step in the country’s HIV prevention efforts.
The Federal Government took delivery of the medication on Wednesday at the Federal Central Stores in Oshodi, , as part of a phased rollout supported by the .
Officials disclosed that the shipment is the first tranche of a total of 52,000 doses expected in three batches later in the year.
Speaking on the development, Mohammed Patiko, Head of Procurement and Supply Chain Management at the , described the delivery as a major milestone in Nigeria’s response to .
He explained that the injectable drug is intended primarily as a preventive measure, particularly for individuals at higher risk of infection, including serodiscordant couples and key populations.
According to him, the rollout will occur in phases, with the first batch already received, while additional consignments are expected in May and October.
The initial deployment will take place in selected pilot locations, including , , , , the , , , and .
Patiko added that the medication would be provided free of charge during the pilot phase at designated health facilities, with distribution expected to commence next week using existing supply systems.
Health authorities say the introduction of lenacapavir strengthens Nigeria’s HIV prevention strategy by complementing ongoing testing and treatment programmes.
Also speaking, Oladipupo Fisher, Lagos State AIDS Programme Coordinator, noted that the development aligns with Nigeria’s target of eliminating HIV/AIDS by 2030.
He emphasised that expanding access to prevention tools alongside treatment remains critical to reducing new infections and controlling the epidemic nationwide.
