Ebonyi State has launched Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable for HIV prevention, marking the state's latest effort to combat the virus among its most vulnerable populations.
State health officials say the move targets young people and other at-risk groups who face disproportionate exposure to HIV. The injection, which offers extended protection compared to daily oral medications, represents a shift in prevention strategy across the state's health system.
The decision comes as Nigeria grapples with HIV prevalence rates that continue to affect young adults and economically disadvantaged communities. Health authorities have long struggled to improve adherence to daily prevention regimens, particularly among populations with limited access to consistent healthcare.
Lenacapavir works as a long-acting preventive therapy, administered as an injection rather than a daily pill. This approach has shown promise in clinical settings for improving compliance among patients who struggle with medication routines. The state government did not announce specific timelines for rollout or the number of people expected to benefit from the programme.
Ebonyi joins other states exploring newer HIV prevention technologies as the federal government and donor organisations push for more innovative approaches to halt new infections. The state health ministry will coordinate distribution through existing healthcare facilities, though details on training for healthcare workers and public awareness campaigns remain unclear.
State officials will begin registering eligible beneficiaries at designated health centres in the coming weeks.
