National News – The Federal Capital Territory Administration has begun distributing a new long-acting HIV prevention injection, offering it free to eligible residents in Abuja as part of a pilot programme launched on Tuesday at Asokoro District Hospital.
The initiative, unveiled by Health Services Mandate Secretary Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, introduces Lenacapavir-based PrEP—administered twice yearly—as a more convenient alternative to daily pills, particularly for individuals at higher risk of infection.
The rollout follows Nigeria’s receipt of 11,520 doses, with the FCT allocated over 4,000 vials for the first phase.
Eight states, including Abuja, were selected to test the intervention before nationwide expansion.
Authorities say the goal is to reduce new infections and accelerate progress toward global HIV control targets.
Health officials explained that the injection complements, rather than replaces, existing prevention tools such as condoms and oral PrEP.
With an HIV prevalence of about 1.4 per cent in the FCT and over 60,000 people already on treatment, the government sees prevention as critical to sustaining gains.
Public health experts in Abuja have welcomed the move, describing it as “timely but overdue,” especially for populations that struggle with adherence to daily medication.
Some, however, raised concerns about awareness gaps and potential stigma, warning that success will depend heavily on education and community trust.
Residents expressed cautious optimism. While many praised the free access, others questioned whether the programme would reach grassroots communities or remain concentrated in urban hospitals.
Civil society groups also stressed the need for transparency to prevent diversion or illegal sales of the medication.
Beyond immediate health benefits, analysts say the policy signals a broader shift in Nigeria’s HIV strategy—from reactive treatment to proactive prevention using innovative tools.
If effectively implemented, it could reduce long-term healthcare costs and ease pressure on the system.
Still, challenges remain. Ensuring equitable access, monitoring patient response, and maintaining funding will determine whether the programme delivers on its promise.
For now, officials are betting that fewer injections could mean fewer infections—and, ultimately, a step closer to ending HIV transmission in the country.
