The Federal Capital Territory has received more than 4,000 vials of a long-acting HIV prevention injection, with authorities announcing that the medication will be provided free of charge to eligible residents.
Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration, disclosed this on Tuesday during the official launch of LenPrEP at Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja.
Describing the initiative as a major milestone in the fight against HIV, Fasawe said the introduction of LenPrEP represents a shift in prevention strategies, especially for people who struggle to take daily medication.
“Today, we launch LenPrEP — a long-acting injectable HIV prevention option that represents a true game changer in our response.
“For many individuals, especially those who struggle with daily pill adherence, this innovation offers a discreet, convenient, and highly effective alternative,” she said.
She explained that the injection would complement existing prevention methods such as oral PrEP, condoms, and behavioural interventions.
“LenPrEP does not replace oral PrEP or other prevention methods. Rather, it strengthens our prevention toolbox,” Fasawe said.
According to her, the FCT currently has an HIV prevalence rate of about 1.4 per cent, with more than 60,000 people on treatment, stressing that prevention remains essential.
“Every new infection averted is a life protected and a future secured,” she added.
Fasawe said the FCT is among the selected pilot areas for the phased rollout of the injections, which will initially target people at higher risk of contracting HIV.
“As one of the select pilot states, FCT have been allocated an initial supply of LenPrEP doses to begin phased implementation, prioritising those at highest risk.
“This is not just a rollout — it is a strategic step towards reducing new infections and accelerating our journey to the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets,” she said.
She further revealed that over 4,000 vials had already been delivered to the territory.
“The delight in today is that these medicines are available for free. It used to cost a lot of money, but for the key and target populations, it is now free,” Fasawe stated.
Explaining the dosage, she said the medication is administered twice yearly, making it easier for users to remain consistent.
“The most exciting part of this medication is that you only have to take it twice a year.
“Two injections, four tablets twice a year and with healthy habits, we can guarantee you will remain HIV-free,” she said.
She noted that the intervention would benefit various groups, including discordant couples and individuals who believe they are at risk because of occupational or lifestyle exposure.
Fasawe added that the FCT’s HIV response extends beyond medication to include nutrition, social support, and psychological care.
“You cannot treat HIV without looking at the person holistically. We give nutritional supplements, social support, and psychological care. It’s not only medication,” she said.
She urged healthcare partners and stakeholders to sustain collaboration, warning that progress in the FCT alone would not be enough.
“Achieving control in FCT is not enough. There is a national precedent. If we don’t think about other states, it will still come back to us,” she said.
Fasawe also called on the media and members of the public to raise awareness about the free injections while discouraging stigma and illegal sale of the medication.
She said the injections would be available in selected hospitals, primary healthcare centres, and through implementing partners across the territory, including Asokoro Hospital, Maitama Hospital, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Federal Medical Centre Jabi, Lugbe Primary Healthcare Centre, Aids Healthcare Foundation, Jabi, and the International Centre for the Advocacy on Right to Health.
She expressed confidence that the initiative would help reduce new HIV infections in the coming years.
“In about two years, we will begin to see the impact on our figures.
“What we want is zero new infections, zero discrimination, and a healthier FCT for all,” she said.
In his welcome remarks, the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, HSES, FCTA, Ghali Kassim, described the launch as a “landmark moment” for public health in the territory.
He said global HIV prevention efforts were shifting from daily oral medication to more convenient, long-acting and person-centred options.
“With viral suppression rates exceeding 90 per cent, we are making measurable progress toward epidemic control,” Kassim said.
He added that the rollout of LenPrEP would strengthen ongoing efforts to reduce new infections, especially among high-risk groups.
“This flag-off reflects our commitment to innovation, equity, and sustaining gains in the HIV response through strong partnerships and data-driven programming,” he said.
Health stakeholders, development partners, and government officials at the event expressed optimism that the new prevention option would strengthen HIV prevention efforts in the FCT and beyond.
The Federal Government had earlier announced that Nigeria received 11,520 doses of Lenacapavir as part of a broader plan to deploy 52,000 doses in phases under a Global Fund-supported initiative.
Eight states — Kwara, Gombe, Ebonyi, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, and the FCT — were selected for the pilot phase.
Authorities said the initial rollout would help assess uptake, monitor patient response, and identify implementation challenges before nationwide expansion.
