FG Reaffirms Plan to End HIV/AIDS by 2030, Begins Rollout of New Preventive Drug

The Federal Government has restated its commitment to eliminating HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, with renewed focus on increased funding, expanded prevention and treatment services, and the eradication of mother-to-child transmission.

As part of these efforts, the government will begin the rollout of a long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug, Lenacapavir, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) starting Tuesday.

Speaking in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Adekunle Salako, said about 52,000 doses of Lenacapavir for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) have been secured to support its introduction. He noted that the initial rollout will also cover Anambra, Ebonyi, Gombe, Kwara, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Benue states, based on programme data.

Salako explained that Nigeria’s adoption of Lenacapavir followed its expression of interest in March 2025 and subsequent approval by the Ministry of Health. The country was later selected by the Global Fund as one of nine early adopter nations to begin implementation in January 2026.

He described the drug’s introduction as a major milestone in Nigeria’s HIV prevention strategy, noting that it would help reduce new infections and expand access to preventive services, especially among high-risk populations.

According to the minister, pre-exposure prophylaxis remains one of the most effective biomedical tools in preventing HIV, and expanding its use is key to sustaining progress and achieving epidemic control.

Lenacapavir, he explained, is a long-acting injectable antiretroviral drug designed for HIV-negative individuals at high risk of infection. It is administered once every six months, making it a more convenient alternative for those who struggle with daily oral medication.

He added that the drug offers several benefits, including high effectiveness, improved adherence due to less frequent dosing, and a discreet prevention option for vulnerable groups. However, he cautioned that it should not be seen as a substitute for safe practices.

Salako noted that the medication was made available through a partnership with the Global Fund and will complement existing prevention methods such as oral PrEP and injectable Cabotegravir.

To support its use, the government has developed a Rapid Advice document to guide implementation, in line with the 2024 National Guidelines for HIV Prevention, Treatment and Care.

Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme, Adebobola Bashorun, emphasised that Lenacapavir is not a cure for HIV but a preventive option that has been proven safe and effective.

Similarly, Dr. Aderonke Agbaje of the Institute of Human Virology of Nigeria described the rollout as a significant step forward, noting that the drug offers a more convenient and discreet option that could improve uptake, particularly among vulnerable populations.

The government reiterated that it will continue to adopt global best practices and innovative tools to strengthen Nigeria’s HIV response and accelerate progress toward ending the epidemic by 2030.