By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has begun the administration of Lenacapavir (LenPrEP), a long-acting Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV) prevention injection.
It received over 4,000 vials of the HIV prevention injection, with authorities confirming that the medication will be provided free of charge to eligible residents.
The Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, disclosed this at the official launch of LenPrEP at the Asokoro District Hospital in Abuja on Tuesday, April 28.
Fasawe described the initiative as a major step in the fight against HIV, adding that the introduction of LenPrEP marked a shift in prevention strategies, particularly for individuals who struggle with daily medication adherence.
“Today, we launch LenPrEP — a long-acting injectable HIV prevention option that represents a true game changer in our response.
“For many individuals, especially those who struggle with daily pill adherence, this innovation offers a discreet, convenient, and highly effective alternative,” she said.
Fasawe stressed that the new injection does not replace existing prevention methods such as oral PrEP, condoms, and behavioural interventions, but rather complements them.
“LenPrEP does not replace oral PrEP or other prevention methods. Rather, it strengthens our prevention toolbox,” Fasawe said.
She added that the FCT would continue to adopt a combined prevention approach tailored to individual needs.
The mandate secretary also disclosed that the FCT currently has an HIV prevalence rate of about 1.4 percent, with more than 60,000 people on treatment.
While stressing that prevention remains critical to sustaining progress, Fasawe said, “Every new infection averted is a life protected and a future secured.”
She added that the FCT is among the selected pilot areas for the phased rollout of the injections, which will initially target individuals at higher risk of contracting HIV.
“As one of the select pilot states, FCT has been allocated an initial supply of LenPrEP doses to begin phased implementation, prioritising those at highest risk.
“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 further disclosed the volume of doses received, stating, “Over 4,000 vials have been received.
“The delight in today is that these medicines are available for free. It used to cost a lot of money, but for the key and target populations, it is now free,” Fasawe said.
Regarding how the medication works, Fasawe noted that it is administered twice a year, which makes adherence easier for users.
“The most exciting part of this medication is that you only have to take it twice a year.
“Two injections, four tablets twice a year, and with healthy habits, we can guarantee you will remain HIV-free,” she said.
She also highlighted that the intervention would benefit various groups, including discordant couples and individuals who perceive themselves as at risk due to occupational or lifestyle exposures.
Fasawe stressed that the government’s HIV response goes beyond medication, incorporating nutrition, social, and psychological support for patients.
“You cannot treat HIV without looking at the person holistically. We give nutritional supplements, social support, and psychological care. It’s not only medication,” she said.
The mandate secretary called on healthcare partners and stakeholders to sustain collaboration, noting that the success recorded in the FCT should be replicated nationwide.
“Achieving control in FCT is not enough. There is a national precedent. If we don’t think about other states, it will still come back to us,” she warned.
Fasawe said the injections will be available in selected hospitals, primary healthcare centres, and through implementing partners across the territory.
The LenPrEP is available at the Asokoro Hospital, Maitama Hospital, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Lugbe Primary Healthcare Centre, Aids Healthcare Foundation, Jabi, and International Centre for the Advocacy on Right to Health.
Recall that the Federal Government had earlier confirmed that Nigeria received 11,520 doses of Lenacapavir as part of a broader plan to deploy 52,000 doses in phases under a Global Fund-supported initiative.
Eight states, including Kwara, Gombe, Ebonyi, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, and the FCT, have been selected for the pilot phase.
