Nigeria has taken delivery of 11,520 doses of lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention, as part of efforts to curb new infections.
The consignment was received on Wednesday by the federal government at the Federal Central Stores in Oshodi, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Mohammed Patiko, head of procurement and supply chain management at the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), said the shipment is the first tranche of a total 52,000 doses expected in three batches. He noted that Nigeria is among nine countries selected globally for the early rollout of the drug.
According to Patiko, the doses were donated by the Global Fund and are aimed at reducing new HIV infections. He added that subsequent batches are expected in May and October.
The pilot programme will target high-risk groups, including serodiscordant couples and key populations such as men who have sex with men, female sex workers, and transgender persons. The injection will be provided free of charge to enrolled participants at designated health facilities.
The rollout will cover eight pilot locations, including Kwara, Gombe, Ebonyi, Anambra, the Federal Capital Territory, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Benue states, with distribution expected to begin next week.
Also speaking, Lagos State AIDS Programme Coordinator, Oladipupo Fisher, said the introduction of lenacapavir strengthens Nigeria’s HIV prevention strategy and supports the country’s goal of eliminating HIV/AIDS by 2030.
He emphasised that expanding access to prevention tools, alongside increased testing and treatment, will be critical to reducing new infections and achieving epidemic control.
