The Kwara State Government has launched a free long-acting HIV prevention injection as part of efforts to reduce new infections and strengthen public health response across the state.
The rollout, announced on Tuesday at the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital in Ilorin, introduces Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), offering an alternative to daily oral medication.
The initiative is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, with Kwara among eight states selected for the first phase alongside the Federal Capital Territory.
Shift toward long-acting prevention
Speaking at the launch, State Commissioner for Health Amina El-Imam described the intervention as a significant step forward in HIV prevention.
“This marks not just the introduction of a new medical intervention, but a bold step forward in our collective fight against HIV,” she said.
El-Imam noted that while Kwara has made progress in testing and treatment, prevention gaps remain, particularly among high-risk and vulnerable groups.
Lenacapavir works by targeting the HIV capsid to block viral replication and is administered just twice a year, addressing a key challenge in HIV control, consistent adherence to daily medication.
Targeting high-risk populations
Health officials say the injection is specifically designed for HIV-negative individuals at substantial risk of infection, including people in sero-discordant relationships, where one partner is HIV-positive.
Oluwatosin Fakayode, Director of Public Health at the state ministry, described the rollout as a milestone in expanding the state’s prevention tools.
“Lenacapavir is an innovative addition to our preventive arsenal to help drive down HIV prevalence,” he said.
The intervention is also expected to reduce stigma associated with HIV prevention, as it removes the need for individuals to carry daily medication.
Expanding access and awareness
Officials said the programme will be supported by expanded community outreach, improved service delivery at health facilities, and training for healthcare workers.
O.N. Omede, State Lead for the Society for Family Health, emphasized that the injection provides up to six months of protection per dose.
“You visit a facility, take your shot, and you are protected for six months,” he said, while stressing that it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections and should be used alongside other preventive measures such as condom use.
National rollout underway
The Federal Government began distributing Lenacapavir in March 2026, securing about 52,000 doses for the initial phase. The drug, also known as Sunlenca, is being offered free of charge in public health facilities.
Health authorities say the introduction of long-acting injectable prevention marks a shift toward more practical and sustainable HIV control strategies, particularly in settings where adherence to daily medication remains a challenge.
With the rollout, Kwara is positioning itself among early adopters of next-generation HIV prevention tools, as Nigeria intensifies efforts to significantly cut new infections in the coming years.
