The Anambra State Government has launched the rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN PrEP), a long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention, in a move aimed at reducing new infections and expanding access to preventive healthcare across the state.
The medication, administered twice yearly, is being offered free of charge at designated health facilities, including the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku Awka; Federal Medical Centre, Onitsha; Trauma Centre, Oba; Comprehensive Health Centres in Ukpo and Neni; and OSS, Awka.
Speaking at the launch, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, described the programme as a major intervention in efforts to eliminate HIV transmission, particularly among high-risk and vulnerable populations.
He said prevention remains one of the most effective tools in combating HIV/AIDS, stating that the introduction of the injectable drug marks a significant step forward in HIV prevention.
Dr Obidike warned against the diversion or commercialisation of the medication, stressing that it is strictly for public health use and must not be sold or reserved for privileged individuals.
He also commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for supporting healthcare reforms and expanding access to life-saving medical services, noting that Anambra’s relatively high HIV prevalence figures are partly linked to increased awareness and regular testing among residents.
The Chief Medical Director of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Dr Maureen Umeakuewulu, described the rollout as timely amid rising HIV prevalence among adolescents.
She praised President Bola Tinubu for including Anambra among the states selected for the programme and commended the state government for its proactive healthcare initiatives.
Anambra State AIDS Programme Coordinator, Dr Tonia Mbagwu, said the state currently has an HIV prevalence rate of 2.4 per cent, the highest in Nigeria’s South-East region.
According to her, nearly 100,000 people are living with HIV in the state, highlighting the need for stronger behavioural, structural and biomedical interventions to curb transmission and improve public health outcomes.
Representatives of the World Health Organisation, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme, the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, and other development partners attended the launch ceremony.
The event culminated in the administration of the injectable HIV prevention drug to the first beneficiaries.
Unlike conventional daily HIV prevention pills, LEN PrEP offers a longer-lasting and more convenient alternative that health officials believe could improve adherence and significantly reduce new HIV infections among at-risk populations.
