The Federal Capital Territory Administration has received more than 4,000 vials of a long-acting HIV prevention injection, with authorities confirming that the medication will be made available free of charge to eligible residents.
The Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, disclosed this on Tuesday during the official launch of LenPrEP at Asokoro District Hospital in Abuja.
Describing the initiative as a significant milestone in the fight against HIV, Fasawe said the introduction of the injectable marks 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,” she said.
“For many individuals, especially those who struggle with daily pill adherence, this innovation offers a discreet, convenient, and highly effective alternative.”
She explained that the injection, administered twice yearly, complements existing prevention methods such as oral PrEP, condom use, and behavioural interventions.
“LenPrEP does not replace oral PrEP or other prevention methods. Rather, it strengthens our prevention toolbox,” Fasawe added.
The mandate secretary noted that the FCT currently has an HIV prevalence rate of about 1.4 per cent, with over 60,000 people on treatment, stressing the importance of prevention in sustaining progress.
“Every new infection averted is a life protected and a future secured,” she said.
According to her, the FCT is among selected pilot areas for the phased rollout of the injection, 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,” she said, adding that “over 4,000 vials have been received.”
Fasawe also emphasised that the medication, previously expensive, will now be provided free to key populations.
“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,” she noted.
She added that the FCT’s HIV response goes beyond medication, incorporating nutritional, social and psychological support.
“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 injections will be available at selected facilities across the territory, including Asokoro and Maitama hospitals, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital in Gwagwalada, Federal Medical Centre Jabi, and designated primary healthcare centres and partner organisations.
Fasawe urged stakeholders to sustain collaboration and called on the public to support awareness efforts while avoiding stigma and illegal sale of the medication.
“What we want is zero new infections, zero discrimination, and a healthier FCT for all,” she said.
In his remarks, the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Ghali Kassim, described the initiative as a “landmark moment” for public health.
“With viral suppression rates exceeding 90 per cent, we are making measurable progress toward epidemic control,” he said, noting that the introduction of long-acting prevention options would further strengthen efforts to reduce new infections.
The rollout is part of a broader national initiative supported by international partners, with the Federal Government confirming that Nigeria has received 11,520 doses of the injection as part of a phased deployment plan across selected states.