Developed by Gilead Sciences and endorsed by the World Health Organization in 2025, Lenacapavir provides an alternative to daily oral preventive pills. The Nigerian government has begun introducing the drug in select pilot states, with an official nationwide launch expected this week. To date, over 11,000 doses have been delivered, out of a planned 52,000.
The initial rollout will cover states including Lagos, Kano, Benue, and the federal capital, Abuja, with the injection administered free of charge at designated public health facilities. Private pharmacies are not part of the distribution plan.
High Demand and Misunderstanding
Civil society groups and frontline health workers say demand is particularly high among individuals at greater risk of HIV, including serodiscordant couples (where one partner is HIV-positive).
However, confusion remains among the public. Some people mistakenly believe the injection can cure HIV, rather than prevent infection in HIV-negative individuals. One health worker noted:
“People are asking for it even before it becomes widely available, but some think it’s a treatment rather than prevention.”
Nigeria has one of the highest HIV burdens in the world, with roughly two million people living with the virus, according to recent estimates.
Expert Caution
Medical professionals have welcomed Lenacapavir’s introduction but emphasise a careful rollout. Pharmacists and regulators stress that the drug must undergo strict safety and quality checks before broader distribution. Current guidance restricts use to non-pregnant individuals.
Public health advocates, however, believe early adoption could significantly reduce new HIV infections, particularly among high-risk populations, provided awareness improves and access expands nationwide.
The introduction of Lenacapavir marks a major step forward in HIV prevention efforts in Nigeria, offering a promising long-acting alternative to daily oral regimens while highlighting the need for community education to ensure proper understanding of its use.