Nigeria Rolls Out New Twice‑Yearly HIV Prevention Injection

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the arrival of a new twice‑yearly HIV prevention injection, a move that could significantly strengthen the nation’s fight against new HIV infections.

The first shipment of the long‑acting injectable drug, lenacapavir, has reached the country. The medication, administered only twice a year, is intended for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a preventive treatment for people at ongoing risk of HIV infection.

Officials from the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) said this rollout expands the prevention tools available in Nigeria’s HIV response. They noted that the injection offers a more convenient alternative to daily oral PrEP, which many people find difficult to sustain over the long term.

“This long‑acting option gives Nigerians more choice and could improve adherence among communities who struggle with daily medication,” a health ministry spokesperson stated, adding that the government is working to ensure the drug is distributed safely and effectively across the country.

Global health experts have highlighted that injectable drugs like lenacapavir could nearly eliminate new infections when taken as recommended, potentially reshaping HIV prevention strategies in areas with high infection rates. Public health advocates say that equitable access and robust delivery systems will be crucial to reaching the groups most at risk and achieving real impact on infection rates.