FCT unveils free HIV prevention injection

The Federal Capital Territory has received over 4,000 vials of a long-acting HIV prevention injection, with authorities confirming that the medication will be provided free of charge to eligible residents.

The Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, disclosed this at the official launch of LenPrEP, a long-acting injectable HIV prevention option, held at the Asokoro District Hospital in Abuja on Tuesday.

Describing the initiative as a major step in the fight against HIV, Fasawe said the introduction of LenPrEP marked 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.

“For many individuals, especially those who struggle with daily pill adherence, this innovation offers a discreet, convenient, and highly effective alternative, the mandate secretary noted.

She stressed that the new injection does not replace existing prevention methods such as oral PrEP, condoms, and behavioural interventions, but rather complements them.

“LenPrEP does not replace oral PrEP or other prevention methods. Rather, it strengthens our prevention toolbox,” Fasawe said, adding that the FCT would continue to adopt a combination prevention approach tailored to individual needs.

The mandate secretary noted that the FCT currently has an HIV prevalence rate of about 1.4 per cent, with more than 60,000 people on treatment, stressing that prevention remains critical to sustaining progress.

“Every new infection averted is a life protected and a future secured,” she said.

According to her, the FCT is among the selected pilot areas for the phased rollout of the injections, which will initially target individuals at higher risk of contracting HIV.

She added, “As one of the select pilot states, FCT have been allocated an initial supply of LenPrEP doses to begin phased implementation, prioritising those at highest risk.

“This is not just a rollout — it is a strategic step towards reducing new infections and accelerating our journey to the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.”

She further disclosed the volume of doses received, stating, “Over 4,000 vials have been received.”

“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,” Fasawe said.

Explaining how the medication works, she noted that it is administered twice a year, making adherence easier for users.

“The most exciting part of this medication is that you only have to take it twice a year.

“Two injections, four tablets twice a year and with healthy habits, we can guarantee you will remain HIV-free,” she said.

She also highlighted that the intervention would benefit various groups, including discordant couples and individuals who perceive themselves to be at risk due to occupational or lifestyle exposure.

Fasawe stressed that the government’s HIV response goes beyond medication, incorporating nutrition, social, and psychological support for patients.

“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 mandate secretary called on healthcare partners and stakeholders to sustain collaboration, noting that the success recorded in the FCT should be replicated nationwide.

“Achieving control in FCT is not enough. There is a national precedent. If we don’t think about other states, it will still come back to us,” she warned.

She also urged the media and the public to help raise awareness about the availability of the free injections, warning against “stigma and illegal sale of the medication.”

The injections, she said, will be available in selected hospitals, primary healthcare centres, and through implementing partners across the territory.

The LEN PrEP is available at the Asokoro Hospital, Maitama Hospital, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Lugbe Primary Healthcare Centre, Aids Healthcare Foundation, Jabi; and International Centre for the Advocacy on Right to Health.

She expressed optimism that the initiative would significantly reduce new HIV infections in the coming years.

“In about two years, we will begin to see the impact on our figures.

“What we want is zero new infections, zero discrimination, and a healthier FCT for all,” Fasawe stated.

In his welcome address, the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, HSES, FCTA, Ghali Kassim, described the initiative as a “landmark moment” for public health in the territory.

Kassim noted that the landscape of HIV prevention is shifting globally, with a move away from daily oral medications to more convenient, long-acting and person-centred options.

He also highlighted the progress already made in the fight against HIV, adding that “with viral suppression rates exceeding 90 per cent, we are making measurable progress toward epidemic control,” he said.

According to him, the introduction of LenPrEP as a long-acting injectable prevention option will further strengthen existing strategies aimed at reducing new infections, particularly among high-risk populations.

He stressed that the rollout reflects the administration’s commitment to innovation, equity, and sustained progress in the HIV response.

“This flag-off reflects our commitment to innovation, equity, and sustaining gains in the HIV response through strong partnerships and data-driven programming,” he said.

Health stakeholders, development partners, and government officials present at the event expressed optimism that the introduction of LenPrEP would enhance prevention efforts and contribute to reducing new HIV infections in the FCT and beyond.

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 say the initial rollout will help assess uptake, monitor patient response, and identify any implementation challenges before expanding the programme nationwide.