Nigeria Sets Ambitious 2030 AIDS Elimination Target With Introduction of Twice‑Yearly HIV Prevention Injection!

Reported by Marian opeyemi fasesan, Editor‑in‑chief | Journalist at Sele Media Africa

In a decisive step to strengthen the national HIV prevention strategy and accelerate progress toward ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially welcomed Lenacapavir, a long‑acting injectable HIV pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication administered once every six months. The development, confirmed by health authorities in Abuja, positions Nigeria at the forefront of adopting innovative biomedical tools in the fight against the HIV epidemic in sub‑Saharan Africa.

The arrival of Lenacapavir — an antiretroviral drug produced by Gilead Sciences and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) — marks a significant milestone in expanding prevention options beyond daily oral PrEP pills, which have historically presented adherence challenges for many at‑risk populations. WHO’s support for twice‑yearly injectable PrEP stems from its recommendation in July 2025 as part of a broader strategy to reduce new HIV infections globally.

Strategic Deployment in National HIV Response

According to a statement from the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Lenacapavir arrived in Nigeria on March 10, 2026, with plans underway to integrate it into the country’s HIV prevention services. The rollout has been authorised by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and backed by funding support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Dr. Adebobola Bashorun, NASCP Director and National Coordinator, highlighted the government’s commitment to leveraging evidence‑based innovations to broaden access to prevention methods. “The introduction of Lenacapavir for PrEP will expand the range of HIV prevention choices available to individuals at risk,” Bashorun stated, emphasising the injection’s potential to enhance adherence and reach populations that may struggle with daily medication routines.

Scientific Backing and Public Health Promise

Clinical evidence and global health guidance underpin the use of Lenacapavir as a game‑changing tool in HIV prevention. In large‑scale trials, long‑acting PrEP options like Lenacapavir have demonstrated high efficacy in reducing HIV transmission, especially among people who find daily regimens difficult to maintain. WHO’s endorsement — reported at the International AIDS Society Conference IAS 2025 in Kigali — notes that Lenacapavir represents a transformative addition to the array of prevention strategies, particularly for populations facing access barriers.

The twice‑yearly administration model addresses key challenges in HIV prevention, including stigma, adherence fatigue, and health system constraints that often undermine the effectiveness of daily oral PrEP. By offering a long‑acting alternative, Nigeria aims to close gaps in coverage, particularly among young people, key populations, and communities with higher vulnerability to new infections.

Policy, Equity and Implementation Challenges

While the introduction of Lenacapavir is a cause for cautious optimism, experts underscore the importance of robust implementation strategies to ensure equitable impact. Nigeria’s HIV burden remains significant; according to recent health data, approximately 1.9 million people are living with HIV in the country, with new infections persisting annually despite progress in treatment and prevention coverage.

To maximise the public health benefit of Lenacapavir, effective policy, efficient regulatory frameworks, and strengthened healthcare delivery systems are critical. Civil society advocates have called for targeted community engagement, stigma reduction interventions, and sustained domestic financing to complement donor support and ensure that the new intervention reaches those most in need. Integration with comprehensive HIV services — including testing, treatment access, and sexual health education — remains essential to Nigeria’s broader epidemic control ambitions.

A Pan‑African Public Health Signal

Nigeria’s adoption of Lenacapavir signals a broader shift in the continent’s HIV response landscape, aligning with similar initiatives in other African countries to bring cutting‑edge prevention tools to scale. The move reinforces Nigeria’s role as a key partner in global health efforts and reflects a commitment to innovative approaches as part of the collective drive to end AIDS by 2030 — a target underscored in global health agendas, including the Sustainable Development Goals.

As implementation begins, monitoring uptake, addressing access barriers, and ensuring quality service delivery will be pivotal to translating scientific promise into measurable reductions in new HIV infections across Nigeria.

Sources:

• Vanguard Nigeria – Nigeria targets end to AIDS by 2030, rolls out 6‑month HIV prevention injection
• Premium Times Nigeria – Nigeria receives twice‑yearly HIV prevention injection
• Legit.ng – Lenacapavir: Federal Government Shares Details As Nigeria Receives HIV Prevention Injection
• Nairametrics – FG receives long‑acting Lenacapavir injection for HIV prevention
• WHO – WHO recommends injectable lenacapavir for HIV prevention

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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