The Federal Government has cautioned pregnant women against using Lenacapavir, a newly introduced long-acting HIV prevention injection. This warning was given by the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr Temitope Ilori, during a media briefing in Abuja. The warning comes as the Federal Government prepares to roll out 52,000 doses of the injection.
Dr Ilori explained that while global studies have shown Lenacapavir to be safe, its use in pregnancy is restricted due to a lack of evidence on its effects in this population. He emphasized that the injection is a preventive measure, not a treatment for HIV. The Director-General also noted that Lenacapavir does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, including hepatitis.
The National Coordinator of the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme, Adebobola Bashorun, announced plans to expand access to the drug across more states. Bashorun stated that the Federal Government is seeking funding to increase the number of doses and extend coverage to high-risk populations. He also clarified that Lenacapavir will complement existing HIV prevention methods, such as oral pre-exposure prophylaxis.
According to Bashorun, reported side effects of the injection have been mild and limited to injection-site reactions. The Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Salako, highlighted the importance of introducing Lenacapavir in Nigeria, citing its potential to prevent HIV transmission.
The Federal Government's decision to restrict the use of Lenacapavir among pregnant women is a welcome move, considering the lack of evidence on its effects in this population. However, the rollout of 52,000 doses of the injection raises questions about the government's preparedness to address the HIV epidemic in Nigeria. The fact that Lenacapavir does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, including hepatitis, highlights the need for comprehensive HIV prevention strategies. The government must ensure that existing prevention methods, such as oral PrEP, are accessible and effective in preventing HIV transmission. Furthermore, the government's plans to expand access to Lenacapavir across more states must be accompanied by robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the safety and efficacy of the drug.
