The Nigerian government has started introducing a new long-acting HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir, but pregnant women will not receive it due to limited safety data, officials said Monday.
The rollout will begin in eight states — Anambra, Ebonyi, Gombe, Kwara, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory — as part of efforts to expand access to innovative HIV prevention options.
Temitope Ilori, director-general of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), said at a media briefing organized by the National HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme (NASCP) that while global trials suggest the drug is largely safe, evidence for use in pregnancy remains insufficient.
“Even though LenPrEP is considered very safe based on global studies, it is not recommended for pregnant women. It is important to emphasize that this is a preventive intervention, not a treatment,” Ilori said. She added that Lenacapavir does not protect against other infections, including sexually transmitted diseases, hepatitis, or unintended pregnancy.
Developed by Gilead Sciences, Lenacapavir is administered every six months as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and offers an alternative for people who struggle with daily oral pills. Nigeria, which ranks fourth globally in HIV burden with about 1.9 million people living with the virus, has prioritized prevention, especially for high-risk populations.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Iziaq Salako said Nigeria was selected as one of nine early adopter countries by the Global Fund. He confirmed that about 52,000 doses have been provided for the phased rollout, with plans for a national launch and facility-level implementation in the selected states.
“The drug is a prevention option for HIV-negative individuals at substantial risk of infection,” Salako said. “A phased approach ensures proper monitoring of safety outcomes before nationwide expansion.”
NASCP coordinator Adebobola Bashorun emphasized that Lenacapavir is not a cure but complements existing prevention methods, including oral PrEP and long-acting injectable cabotegravir. Early reports indicate only mild injection-site pain as a side effect.