Health experts have called for the widespread adoption of a long-acting Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevention injection as a critical step toward reducing new infections and easing the disease burden in Nigeria.
The experts said the injectable preventive drug, known as lenacapavir, offers a promising alternative to daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), particularly for individuals who face challenges with adherence to routine medication.
They explained that the injection, administered twice yearly, ensures sustained protection against HIV infection, thereby addressing gaps associated with missed doses common with daily regimens.
A Director of Research at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Prof. Oliver Ezechi, said that the effectiveness of the intervention would largely depend on its acceptance and consistent use among target populations.
Ezechi noted that increased uptake of the injection could significantly reduce transmission rates, especially in high-risk communities.
“If widely adopted and properly implemented, this innovation has the potential to drastically cut new HIV infections in the country,” he said.
He added that the long-acting nature of the drug could improve retention in prevention programmes and enhance overall outcomes in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
According to him, Nigeria continues to grapple with a high HIV burden, with millions of people living with the virus despite ongoing prevention and treatment efforts.
Also speaking, a Professor of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology at Ebonyi State University, Prof. Lawrence Ogbonnaya, described the injection as a major advancement capable of improving compliance among users.
Ogbonnaya said the twice-yearly dosage reduces the likelihood of default, which has been a major challenge in HIV prevention strategies relying on daily medication.
Similarly, the National President of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners, Dr Kayode Adesola, emphasised the importance of ensuring accessibility and affordability of the injection.
He called for increased domestic investment in HIV programmes, warning that reliance on foreign funding could undermine sustainability.
Adesola also advocated for local production and technology transfer to guarantee steady supply and reduce costs.
The Federal Government had earlier announced plans to deploy the injection in selected states, including the Federal Capital Territory, as part of efforts to strengthen the national HIV response.
The experts, however, stressed that beyond availability, success would depend on public awareness, community engagement, and integration of the injection into existing healthcare systems.
They reiterated that a coordinated approach involving government, healthcare providers, and development partners would be essential to achieving meaningful reduction in new HIV infections.
