By Editor
Demand for lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention injection administered twice a year, has increased among eligible Nigerians, resulting in shortages in some states participating in the Federal Government’s pilot programme.
A report by Saturday by our reporter found that Benue, Kwara, Gombe and Cross River had experienced shortages of the injection only months after its rollout.
Health workers in Cross River said demand was particularly high among sex workers, some of whom reportedly preferred the injection because it is easier to conceal and more convenient than taking HIV prevention medication daily.
The situation is different in Lagos, where health officials said adequate supplies were available but uptake remained low. They urged eligible people to come forward and access the preventive treatment.
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS attributed some supply challenges to transportation difficulties and inadequate programme funding, while stressing that shortages in some states should not be interpreted as a nationwide shortage. Lenacapavir, developed by Gilead Sciences, is administered every six months and provides an alternative to daily HIV prevention medication.
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