Abuja: The Global Fund announced plans to deliver 179,700 doses of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable antiretroviral drug, to Nigeria by 2028. The announcement was made by Mr. Jean-Thomas Nouboussi, the Country Director of the fund, during the official unveiling of the long-acting HIV prevention drug in Abuja. The event was organized by the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Control Programme (NASCP).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Nouboussi highlighted Nigeria as one of nine early adopter countries for Lenacapavir. The rollout, set to commence in eight states and the Federal Capital Territory, marks a significant milestone in expanding access to innovative HIV prevention tools. Nouboussi emphasized the importance of Lenacapavir in addressing adherence challenges linked to daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis regimens.
Jean-Thomas Nouboussi noted, “Nigeria is part of the nine adopter countries, and by 2028, Nigeria will receive 179,700 doses.” He described Lenacapavir as a breakthrough in HIV prevention, particularly in addressing adherence challenges associated with daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis regimens. The Global Fund aims to reach two million people globally with the drug by 2028, and its support to Nigeria is seen as catalytic in this effort.
Ms. Tina Bonto, Country Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), said Nigeria’s early adoption reflects its leadership in HIV prevention. She highlighted Nigeria’s pioneering role in introducing oral pre-exposure prophylaxis in 2016 and expanding prevention options through strong partnerships. Bonto expressed optimism that Lenacapavir would help accelerate progress toward reducing new infections and achieving epidemic control.
Dr. Alex Chambaru, the World Health Organisation (WHO) representative, said Nigeria’s adoption of the drug demonstrates a strong national commitment to integrated, people-centered health services. He noted that the drug, recommended globally in 2025, complements existing prevention strategies and should be implemented alongside behavioral interventions. Chambaru emphasized the need for coordinated, multi-sectoral action to achieve HIV and tuberculosis control.
Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), described Lenacapavir as a critical innovation in Nigeria’s HIV response. She called for sustained collaboration among government, partners, and communities to end HIV and tuberculosis as public health threats by 2030. Dr. Abdulkadir Ibrahim, Executive Director of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), urged increased domestic funding to sustain progress in the HIV response.
Josephine Aseme, Chairperson of Nigeria Key Population Health and Rights Network, described the rollout as a turning point for vulnerable communities. As the first Nigerian to receive the Lenacapavir injection, she emphasized the challenges with daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis, including stigma and access barriers. Aseme shared her decision to take the injection to encourage wider acceptance and uptake among key populations, stating, “I am taking it not just for myself, but for every young woman and member of our community who deserves protection.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Lenacapavir is administered twice yearly for HIV prevention among high-risk HIV-negative individuals.