Rising Demand in Nigeria for New Twice-Yearly HIV Prevention Injection

Nigeria is seeing growing demand for Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, ahead of its nationwide rollout. The drug, endorsed by the World Health Organisation, is being introduced in pilot states including Lagos, Kano, Benue, and Abuja, and will be administered free at public health facilities. While interest is high, some people mistakenly believe it can cure HIV. Experts stress careful rollout and public education to ensure safe and effective use, particularly among high-risk populations.

Interest in Nigeria for the new long-acting HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir, is intensifying as the country prepares for its nationwide rollout. Even before the official launch, health workers and community organisations report that individuals are actively seeking access to the twice-yearly injectable, which is designed to prevent HIV infection, offering an alternative to daily preventive pills that many people find challenging to adhere to consistently. The drug, developed by Gilead Sciences and endorsed by the World Health Organisation in 2025, represents a significant advancement in HIV prevention strategies, particularly for high-risk populations.
The Nigerian government has begun introducing Lenacapavir in selected pilot states, with the formal nationwide rollout expected to commence this week. Authorities confirmed that more than 11,000 doses have already been delivered as part of the first phase, which plans to distribute a total of 52,000 doses. The initial rollout includes key states such as entity["city","Lagos","Nigeria"], ","Kano","Nigeria"], and Benue","Nigeria"], as well as the federal capital, Abuja clarify the drug’s preventive role and safe use.
Nigeria continues to bear one of the largest HIV burdens globally, with recent estimates indicating that around two million people are living with the virus. Health experts have welcomed the introduction of Lenacapavir, emphasizing that while it holds promise in preventing new infections, its rollout must be carefully managed. Pharmacists and regulators have stressed the importance of maintaining stringent safety and quality standards. The drug is currently approved only for non-pregnant individuals, and adherence to these guidelines is critical to ensure both effectiveness and safety.
Public health advocates believe that early adoption of Lenacapavir could have a transformative impact on HIV prevention, particularly for high-risk groups. Successful deployment could reduce new infections, improve adherence compared to daily pills, and help normalize preventive practices within communities. The initiative complements existing HIV interventions in Nigeria, such as antiretroviral therapy for those living with the virus, pre-exposure prophylaxis pills, condom distribution programs, and awareness campaigns. By offering a long-acting and convenient alternative, Lenacapavir could also help reduce stigma associated with daily preventive medication, encourage consistent protection, and strengthen overall public health outcomes.
Authorities and health organisations are working collaboratively to ensure that the rollout is conducted safely and equitably, with adequate public education and community engagement. Health workers are being trained to administer the injection, answer patient questions, and correct misconceptions about the drug’s purpose and limitations. Civil society groups are coordinating outreach efforts, particularly targeting high-risk populations in urban and rural areas, to ensure that those who need the drug most can access it.
Early reports indicate strong demand and widespread public interest, signaling that if awareness and access are effectively managed, Lenacapavir could significantly bolster Nigeria’s HIV prevention strategy. Officials hope that the initiative will lead to measurable reductions in new HIV infections, improve the health and well-being of vulnerable populations, and contribute to the broader global effort to curb the spread of HIV. The rollout also serves as an important case study for other countries in sub-Saharan Africa looking to implement long-acting HIV preventive measures and expand access to innovative public health interventions.