Ogona Anita
Nigerians have begun scrambling for Lenacapavir, a newly introduced injection for the prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, ahead of its nationwide rollout.
Findings by Sunday PUNCH showed that many individuals, particularly those aware of pre-exposure prophylaxis, have been approaching health facilities and non-governmental organisations across states in a bid to access it.
The development comes as the Federal Government begins deploying the twice-yearly HIV prevention medication in selected pilot states amid rising demand and growing public interest.
Nigeria HIV statistics, Lenacapavir
Lenacapavir is a twice-yearly injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis drug developed by Gilead Sciences and recommended by the World Health Organisation as an additional PrEP option.
It offers a long-acting alternative to daily HIV prevention pills.
The WHO’s endorsement in July 2025 marked a milestone in global HIV prevention strategy as the organisation urged nations to incorporate the injectable into broader prevention programmes.
Based on 2024-2025 estimates from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, there are approximately two million people living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
The Federal Government, through the National HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, announced the receipt of the HIV prevention injection on March 11.
The National Coordinator of NASCP, Dr Adebobola Bashorun, said the agency, in collaboration with partners and
