The Federal Capital Territory Administration has announced it would on Tuesday rollout the new anti-HIV vaccine aimed at consolidating the fight against the disease in the country.
Lenacapavir, is an injectable PrEP option for the prevention of HIV/AIDS.
The introduction of Lenacapavir marks a shift in HIV prevention strategies. Unlike conventional pre-exposure prophylaxis medications taken daily, Lenacapavir is a long-acting antiretroviral administered once every six months.
According to the FCTA, the rollout which will take place at the Asokoro District Hospital, is being led by the FCT HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme, in collaboration with the FCT Agency for the Control of AIDS and the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme.
In a press invitation issued on Monday to journalists in Abuja, by the FCT Public Health Department, the FCTA said:
“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 Programme on Tuesday at Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja.”
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: Kwara, Gombe, Ebonyi, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, and the FCT have been selected for the pilot phase.
Authorities said the initial rollout would help assess uptake, monitor patient response, and identify implementation challenges before expanding the programme nationwide.
Nigeria continues to carry one of the largest HIV burdens globally, with an estimated 1.9 million people living with the virus, according to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS.
Although prevalence has declined in recent years, new infections remain a public health concern.
