The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has started a pilot rollout of a long-acting HIV prevention injection, with more than 4,000 vials made available free to eligible residents.
Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment at the FCTA, announced the launch of LenPrEP at Asokoro District Hospital in Abuja on Tuesday.
She said the injectable option is a “game changer” for people who find daily medication difficult to manage.
“For many individuals, especially those who struggle with daily pill adherence, this innovation offers a discreet, convenient, and highly effective alternative,” Fasawe said.
LenPrEP is given twice a year and does not replace existing prevention methods such as oral PrEP, condoms or behavioural interventions, she added. “Rather, it strengthens our prevention toolbox.”
The FCT has an HIV prevalence rate of about 1.4 per cent, with more than 60,000 people currently on treatment.
“Every new infection averted is a life protected and a future secured,” Fasawe said.
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As one of the pilot areas, the FCT will prioritise people at higher risk during the initial phase.
“This is not just a rollout — it is a strategic step towards reducing new infections and accelerating our journey to the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets,” she said.
Fasawe confirmed that “over 4,000 vials have been received” and that the medication will be free for key and target populations.
“It used to cost a lot of money, but for the key and target populations, it is now free,” she said.
She explained the regimen involves two injections a year and that the intervention can benefit groups including discordant couples and people who consider themselves at risk due to occupational or lifestyle exposure.
The FCTA said support goes beyond medication to include nutrition, social and psychological care.
“You cannot treat HIV without looking at the person holistically,” Fasawe said.
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She urged the public to help raise awareness and warned against stigma and illegal sale of the medication.
The injections will be available at selected hospitals and primary healthcare centres, including Asokoro Hospital, Maitama Hospital, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Gwagwalada, Federal Medical Centre Jabi, Lugbe PHC, Aids Healthcare Foundation Jabi, and the International Centre for the Advocacy on Right to Health.
Ghali Kassim, Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, HSES, called the launch a “landmark moment” for public health.
Kassim said that “with viral suppression rates exceeding 90 per cent, we are making measurable progress toward epidemic control.”
The Federal Government earlier confirmed Nigeria received 11,520 doses of Lenacapavir as part of a plan to deploy 52,000 doses in phases under a Global Fund-supported initiative.
Eight areas, including Kwara, Gombe, Ebonyi, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue and the FCT were selected for the pilot phase to assess uptake and implementation before a wider rollout.
Fasawe stressed impact should be visible in about two years, saying: “What we want is zero new infections, zero discrimination, and a healthier FCT for all.”