In an effort to increase efforts to prevent new infections, the Federal Capital Territory Administration plans to launch Lenacapavir, a new injectable alternative for HIV prevention. In partnership with the FCT Agency for the Control of AIDS and the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, and STIs Control Programme, the FCT HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, and STIs Control Programme is spearheading the rollout, scheduled for Tuesday at Asokoro District Hospital. The FCT Public Health Department revealed this in a press invitation sent to our correspondent on Monday.
It read, “The FCT HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, and STIs Control Programme and the FCT Agency for the Control of AIDS are pleased to invite you to the flag-off ceremony for the rollout of Lenacapavir as an injectable PrEP option in the FCT. “This important event will be held in collaboration with the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, and STIs Control Program on Tuesday at Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja.”
Lenacapavir's release signifies a change in HIV prevention tactics. Lenacapavir is a long-acting antiviral administered once every six months, in contrast to traditional pre-exposure prophylaxis drugs, which are taken daily.
Nigeria got 11,520 doses of Lenacapavir as part of a larger plan to deploy 52,000 tablets in phases under a project backed by the Global Fund, the Federal Government had previously revealed.
For the pilot phase, eight states have been chosen: Kwara, Gombe, Ebonyi, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory. Before the initiative is expanded countrywide, authorities stated that the initial deployment will assist in monitoring patient response, assessing adoption, and identifying implementation issues.
According to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Nigeria still has one of the highest rates of HIV infection in the world, with an estimated 1.9 million persons infected. New infections continue to be a public health concern even though prevalence has decreased recently.
