Benue State Launches Twice-Yearly Lenacapavir Injection for HIV Prevention
The Benue State Government in Nigeria has officially launched Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. Administered just twice a year, this new drug offers a discreet and convenient alternative to daily oral PrEP, addressing challenges related to adherence, stigma, and lifestyle barriers. Dr. Paul Ogwuche, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, described the launch as a historic turning point in the state's response to HIV, which has a prevalence rate of 4.7 percent, one of the highest in Nigeria. The initiative aims to protect vulnerable populations, including adolescent girls, young women, and key populations, contributing to the goal of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. The Ministry of Health plans to ensure equitable access across urban and rural communities through community-led demand creation and data-driven monitoring. The launch ceremony in Makurdi involved collaboration with international partners such as the World Health Organization, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and Clinton Health Access Initiative. Officials emphasized the importance of compassionate counseling and responsible media reporting to build public trust and increase uptake of this innovative health intervention.
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