The Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Temitope Ilori, has clarified that the newly introduced long-acting HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir (LenPrEP), is not approved for use among pregnant women.
Ilori made this known during a media briefing in Abuja, organised by the National HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
She explained that although global clinical studies have shown the drug to be generally safe, there is still insufficient evidence regarding its effects during pregnancy.
“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,” she said.
Ilori described Lenacapavir as a significant innovation in HIV prevention but warned that it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, including hepatitis, urging users to adopt comprehensive preventive measures.
Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme, Adebobola Bashorun, disclosed that the Federal Government is working to expand access to the drug across more states.
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“As we scale up, we are exploring catalytic funding to increase the number of doses and extend coverage to populations most at risk,” he said.
Bashorun added that Lenacapavir will complement, rather than replace, existing HIV prevention methods such as oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), noting that national guidelines will determine its integration into current programmes.
On safety, he said reported side effects have been mild and mostly limited to injection-site reactions, such as temporary pain.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Salako, revealed that the rollout of the drug is being supported through a partnership with the Global Fund.
He added that the government is exploring long-term strategies, including local production and technology transfer, to ensure sustainability and reduce dependence on foreign support.
Developed by Gilead Sciences, Lenacapavir has gained global attention as a breakthrough in HIV prevention due to its twice-yearly injectable format, offering a more convenient alternative to daily oral medications.
Nigeria remains one of the countries most affected by HIV, with an estimated 1.9 million people living with the virus. While progress has been made in treatment access, experts say prevention gaps persist, particularly among vulnerable groups.
Health professionals have welcomed Lenacapavir as a potential “game-changer,” but caution that its success will depend on affordability, equitable access, sustained funding, and effective integration into the country’s broader HIV response strategy.
