Health authorities in Benue state say the introduction of Lenacapavir will improve HIV prevention and expand access to care. The long-acting injectable drug was launched as part of efforts to reduce new infections and support the global target of ending AIDS by 2030.
The rollout was carried out in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), APIN, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Tearfund and RedAid Nigeria.
The launch comes as Benue remains the state with the highest number of people receiving HIV treatment in Nigeria, with more than 195,000 people currently on treatment, according to data from the National Data Repository.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Paul Ogwuche, said the new injectable medication offers a more convenient and discreet alternative to daily oral HIV prevention drugs.
āFor many years, HIV prevention has relied heavily on daily oral PrEP, which has saved lives but also faced challenges of adherence, stigma and lifestyle barriers”, he said.
Ogwuche explained that Lenacapavir is administered twice yearly and is expected to improve adherence among vulnerable groups, including adolescent girls, young women, and other high-risk populations.
He said the programme would be implemented through the State AIDS and STI Control Programme alongside civil society organisations and community networks to improve access across urban and rural communities.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, Cephas Hough, described the launch as an important step in strengthening HIV prevention and treatment services in the state.Ā He, however, stressed that sustained awareness campaigns and responsible behaviour remain essential in reducing HIV transmission.
