FG confirms March arrival of HIV prevention injection
Nigeria is set to receive Lenacapavir, a significant HIV prevention injection, in March, which has shown 100% efficacy in clinical trials.
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) in Nigeria has announced the upcoming arrival of Lenacapavir, an innovative HIV prevention injection that achieved a remarkable 100% effectiveness in clinical trials. This groundbreaking drug is slated to arrive in March, following the regulatory approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Lenacapavir represents a major advancement in HIV prevention, offering a convenient injectable option that requires administration only twice a year, in contrast to the daily oral medications traditionally used. The injection's introduction is part of Nigeria's larger commitment to enhance HIV prevention strategies within the country. The government has already made arrangements to ensure the drug is available at an affordable price of $40 per person annually to 120 low- and middle-income countries, facilitated by licensing agreements with generic manufacturers. This approach aims to improve access to HIV prevention tools in regions that need them the most, thus aiming to curb the spread of the virus effectively. In light of this development, NACA's Head of Public Relations, Toyin Aderibigbe, emphasized that the government is focused on preparing for the rollout of Lenacapavir as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). This initiative signifies a pivotal step forward in the fight against HIV in Nigeria, capitalizing on the drug's proven efficacy to potentially enhance public health outcomes and reduce the infection rates across the population.