The Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Temitope Ilori, has clarified that the newly introduced long-acting HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir (LenPrEP), is not advised for use among pregnant women.
Ilori made this statement on Monday during a media parley organised by the National HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja.
She explained that although global clinical studies indicate a high safety profile for the drug, its use in pregnancy is limited due to insufficient evidence on its effects in that population.
“Even though LenPrEP is considered very safe based on global studies, it is not recommended for pregnant women. It is important to emphasise that this is a preventive intervention, not a treatment,” Ilori said.
She described Lenacapavir as a highly innovative addition to HIV prevention tools but warned that it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, including hepatitis.
“We must stress that it does not prevent sexually transmitted infections or other infections like hepatitis. People must continue to take comprehensive precautions,” she added.
Also speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme, Adebobola Bashorun, stated that the Federal Government is working to expand access to the drug across more states.
“As we scale up, we are exploring catalytic funding to increase the number of doses and extend coverage to populations most at risk,” Bashorun said.
He noted that Lenacapavir would complement, rather than replace, existing HIV prevention strategies such as oral pre-exposure prophylaxis.
“We already have multiple prevention options. Individuals can still use oral PrEP. National policy guidelines will determine how best to integrate this new option into existing programmes,” he added.
On safety concerns, Bashorun mentioned that reported side effects have been mild, mostly limited to reactions at the injection site.
“The common side effects include pain at the injection site, which is expected. We are actively monitoring for any adverse reactions and so far, the outcomes are encouraging,” he said.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Salako, highlighted that the introduction of Lenacapavir in Nigeria is supported by the Global Fund.
“This drug is being made available through a partnership with the Global Fund. Over time, we expect to engage manufacturers directly and explore pathways for local production,” Salako said.
He added that discussions on technology transfer and domestic manufacturing will be crucial to ensure long-term sustainability and reduce reliance on external donors.
Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable developed by Gilead Sciences, has recently drawn global attention as a potential breakthrough in HIV prevention. Unlike daily oral PrEP, it is administered as an injection twice a year, offering a more convenient option for individuals who struggle with adherence.
Nigeria bears one of the largest HIV burdens worldwide, with an estimated 1.9 million people living with HIV, according to recent NACA data. While access to antiretroviral therapy has expanded significantly, prevention gaps persist—particularly among key populations and young people.
Public health experts have welcomed Lenacapavir as a “game-changer” but caution that its success will depend on equitable access, sustained funding, and integration into Nigeria’s broader HIV response strategy.
Despite optimism, concerns remain over affordability, long-term financing, and health system readiness. Nigeria’s HIV programmes are still heavily donor-funded, raising questions about sustainability if international support decreases.
There are ongoing discussions to ensure that the rollout of new technologies like Lenacapavir does not divert resources from other vital health priorities, including malaria control, maternal health, and routine immunisation.
For now, health authorities maintain that Lenacapavir is an important addition to the country’s HIV prevention toolkit—but not a standalone solution.
