FCTA rolls out injectable HIV prevention drug today

The Federal Capital Territory is set to introduce a new injectable option for HIV prevention, Lenacapavir, in a move aimed at strengthening efforts to curb new infections.

The rollout, scheduled for Tuesday at Asokoro District Hospital, is being led by the FCT HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme, in collaboration with the FCT Agency for the Control of AIDS and the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme.

This was disclosed in a press invitation issued on Monday to our correspondent by the FCT Public Health Department.

It read, “The FCT HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme and the FCT Agency for the Control of AIDS are pleased to invite you to the flag-off ceremony for the rollout of Lenacapavir as an injectable PrEP option in the FCT.

“This important event will be held in collaboration with the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme on Tuesday at Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja.”

The introduction of Lenacapavir marks a shift in HIV prevention strategies. Unlike conventional pre-exposure prophylaxis medications taken daily, Lenacapavir is a long-acting antiretroviral administered once every six months.

The Federal Government had earlier confirmed that Nigeria received 11,520 doses of Lenacapavir as part of a broader plan to deploy 52,000 doses in phases under a Global Fund-supported initiative.

Eight states, Kwara, Gombe, Ebonyi, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, and the FCT, have been selected for the pilot phase.

Authorities say the initial rollout will help assess uptake, monitor patient response, and identify any implementation challenges before expanding the programme nationwide.

Nigeria continues to carry one of the largest HIV burdens globally, with an estimated 1.9 million people living with the virus, according to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS.

Although prevalence has declined in recent years, new infections remain a public health concern.