Unlike daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the new regimen is administered just twice a year, a feature health officials say could dramatically improve adherence among people at risk of HIV infection. The drug is being provided free of charge at selected public health facilities across the state.
Designated centres include the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku Awka; Federal Medical Centre, Onitsha; Trauma Centre, Oba; Comprehensive Health Centres in Ukpo and Neni; and the OSS facility in Awka.
At the official launch, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, framed the initiative as a key step in strengthening HIV prevention efforts, particularly among vulnerable groups.
He said prevention remains central to controlling the epidemic, noting that the injectable option represents “a significant step forward in HIV prevention” by reducing reliance on daily medication routines that often lead to poor adherence.
Dr Obidike also issued a strong warning against misuse of the programme, stressing that the medication is strictly for public health purposes. It must not be diverted, commercialised, or reserved for privileged individuals.
He credited Governor Chukwuma Soludo for backing healthcare reforms aimed at widening access to essential medical services, while also noting that Anambra’s comparatively high HIV figures are partly a reflection of stronger testing and awareness campaigns.
Officials highlight urgency as HIV burden remains significant
The Chief Medical Director of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Dr Maureen Umeakuewulu, described the rollout as timely, particularly given concerns about rising HIV prevalence among adolescents in the state.
She also acknowledged federal-level and international support for the initiative, commending President Bola Tinubu for including Anambra among the states selected for the programme.
Nearly 100,000 people living with HIV in Anambra
Providing an epidemiological overview, the Anambra State AIDS Programme Coordinator, Dr Tonia Mbagwu, disclosed that the state currently records an HIV prevalence rate of 2.4 per cent—the highest in Nigeria’s South-East region.
She further estimated that “nearly 100,000 people are living with HIV in the state,” underscoring the scale of the challenge and the need for expanded prevention tools, including biomedical interventions like long-acting PrEP alongside behavioural and structural measures.
Strong stakeholder backing as rollout begins
The launch event drew participation from major national and international health bodies, including the World Health Organisation, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, and the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme, as well as the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria and other development partners.
The programme formally moved into implementation with the administration of the injectable drug to its first set of beneficiaries.
Health experts say the appeal of Lenacapavir lies in its convenience. By replacing daily pills with a twice-yearly injection, officials hope to reduce missed doses, improve consistent protection, and ultimately cut down new HIV infections among high-risk populations across the state.