Nigeria Records Decline In HIV Cases As Demand Rises For Prevention Injection

Nigeria recorded a decline in reported HIV cases in the first four months of 2026 amid growing demand for the newly introduced twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir, across states.

The growing demand from Nigerians increased as the government targets eight states for initial implementation. The anti-HIV injection is administered once every six months, and is used to treat and prevent HIV infection.

The HIV prevention programme is being piloted in eight selected states including: Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, Gombe, Kano and Kwara, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

Data from the National Data Repository showed that reported HIV cases dropped steadily between January and April 2026. The figures declined from 8,494 cases in January to 7,893 in February, 7,814 in March and 6,458 in April.

The decline comes as the Federal Government begins deploying Lenacapavir to prevent HIV infection among people at risk.

Nigeria officially received its first shipment of the injectable drug on March 10, 2026, with the Federal Government securing more than 52,000 doses for the initial rollout phase. So far, 11,520 doses have been delivered into the country.

The medication is being piloted in selected states including Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, Gombe, Kano and Kwara, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

Announcing the arrival of the medication, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare described the development as another important step in Nigeria’s efforts to end HIV as a public health threat.

“The long-acting injectable provides sustained protection for people at risk of HIV and helps improve adherence to prevention,” the ministry said through the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme.

W.H.O Recommendation on HIV Injection

The Lenacapavir was recommended by the World Health Organization in July 2025 as an additional pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option for HIV prevention.

The recommendation was unveiled during the 13th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science held in Kigali, Rwanda, where the WHO described the injectable as a transformative tool in global HIV prevention efforts.

According to the Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Lenacapavir is the first twice-yearly injectable PrEP product and offers a highly effective long-acting alternative to daily oral pills and shorter-acting prevention methods.

He said, “While an HIV vaccine remains elusive, Lenacapavir is the next best thing: a long-acting antiretroviral shown in trials to prevent almost all HIV infections among those at risk.

“The launch of WHO’s new guidelines, alongside the FDA’s recent approval, marks a critical step forward in expanding access to this powerful tool. WHO is committed to working with countries and partners to ensure this innovation reaches communities as quickly and safely as possible,” he added.

Vaccine yet to be Circulated Across Nigeria

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

However, the introduction of Lenacapavir expands prevention options beyond daily oral HIV prevention pills, particularly for people who struggle with adherence, stigma or limited access to healthcare services.

The programme aims to reduce the number of about 1.9 million people living with the virus, according to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS.

Other states where the programme is yet to be implemented include: Abia, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara

Public health expert say the introduction of the HIV prevention injection could significantly reduce new HIV infections if access is expanded and sustained across the country. (Daily trust)