Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking twice-yearly injectable drug for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), is now accessible in Nigeria, marking a significant advancement in the country's fight against new HIV infections.
The long-acting injection, developed by Gilead Sciences and known for providing near-complete protection up to 100% effective in major clinical trials requires just one shot every six months, offering a convenient alternative to daily oral PrEP pills.
Social media reports and posts circulating widely indicate that the drug is currently priced at approximately ₦58,000 per year in Nigeria, a dramatic reduction from its U.S. list price of around $28,000 annually.
This affordability stems from subsidies and support by global non-profit partners, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Unitaid, and Wits RHI, which help manage costs and distribution in low- and middle-income countries.
Nigeria, with an estimated 1.9 million people living with HIV and ongoing new infections particularly among young people and key populations, stands to benefit greatly from this innovation.
The drug's availability follows WHO recommendations in July 2025 endorsing twice-yearly lenacapavir as an additional PrEP option, and aligns with global access agreements aiming for even lower pricing (around $40 per year) through generic production starting in 2027.
While initial rollout may be limited and focused on high-risk groups through supported programs, health experts emphasize that widespread access, integration into national guidelines, stigma reduction, and sustained funding will be key to maximizing its impact in preventing HIV transmission.
This development has sparked excitement online, with many hailing it as a game-changer for HIV prevention in Nigeria and across Africa.
Authorities have not yet issued an official confirmation from NAFDAC or NACA on the exact rollout details, but the news underscores rapid progress in bringing cutting-edge prevention tools to resource-limited settings.
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