Nigeria recorded a decline in reported HIV cases between January and April 2026, with cases falling from 8,494 in January to 6,458 in April. The drop coincides with the introduction of Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, now being piloted in eight states and the Federal Capital Territory. The states include Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, Gombe, Kano and Kwara. The Federal Government received its first shipment of the drug on March 10, 2026, securing over 52,000 doses, with 11,520 already delivered.
Lenacapavir is administered every six months and serves both as treatment and prevention for HIV. The National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme said the long-acting injectable improves adherence and offers sustained protection for people at risk. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare described the rollout as a key step toward ending HIV as a public health threat. The World Health Organization recommended Lenacapavir in July 2025 as an additional pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option during the 13th International AIDS Society Conference in Kigali, Rwanda.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, called Lenacapavir the first twice-yearly injectable PrEP product, highly effective in preventing HIV in clinical trials. He said it is the next best option after an HIV vaccine, which remains unavailable. The initial phase in Nigeria aims to assess uptake, monitor patient response and identify implementation challenges before nationwide expansion. The programme targets reducing infections among the estimated 1.9 million Nigerians living with HIV. Daily oral pills remain an alternative, but the injection offers relief for those facing stigma or difficulty adhering to daily regimens.
Twenty-eight states, including Lagos, Rivers, Delta and Oyo, are not yet part of the pilot. Public health experts say expanding access could significantly reduce new infections if sustained.
The Federal Government is rolling out a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection in only eight states while over 1.9 million Nigerians live with the virus nationwide. Lenacapavir's limited rollout means millions in non-pilot states have no access despite rising demand. The government's phased approach may slow progress in areas already struggling with healthcare access. This uneven distribution risks deepening health disparities across the country.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
