The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has issued a clarification on the use of the newly introduced long-acting HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir (LenPrEP). According to NACA Director-General Temitope Ilori, the injection is not recommended for pregnant women.
This clarification was made during a recent media briefing organised by the National HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme. The programme aims to control and prevent the spread of HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted diseases in Nigeria.
Pregnant women will continue to rely on other HIV prevention methods until further studies are conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of Lenacapavir in this demographic.
The decision to exclude pregnant women from using Lenacapavir is based on the need to ensure their safety and the safety of their unborn babies.
The NACA Director-General's clarification on Lenacapavir's use is a timely reminder of the need for careful consideration in the rollout of new medical interventions. The exclusion of pregnant women from using Lenacapavir raises questions about access to HIV prevention methods for this vulnerable group. With an estimated 1.9 million people living with HIV in Nigeria, the availability of effective prevention methods is crucial. The NACA must ensure that pregnant women have access to alternative HIV prevention methods and that further research is conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of Lenacapavir in this demographic. This is a critical issue that requires urgent attention and investment in HIV prevention and treatment programmes.
