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The Digest:

Nigeria has taken delivery of 11,520 doses of lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable HIV prevention medicine, at the Federal Central Stores in Oshodi, Lagos. The consignment is the first batch of 52,000 doses expected in three tranches under a Global Fund-supported initiative, making Nigeria one of nine countries selected for the early rollout. The injection will be provided free to target populations, including serodiscordant couples, at-risk individuals, and key populations in eight pilot states: Kwara, Gombe, Ebonyi, Anambra, FCT, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Benue. Distribution begins next week.

Key Points:
  • The groundbreaking injection strengthens Nigeria's multi-pronged HIV prevention strategy, targeting zero infections by 2030.
  • Free access for vulnerable groups removes cost barriers for those most at risk.
  • The pilot in eight states will generate data for potential national scale-up.
  • Lenacapavir's long-acting formula offers an alternative to daily oral PrEP, improving adherence.
  • Nigeria's inclusion among nine global early rollout countries reflects confidence in its HIV programme.
Distribution begins next week to designated secondary health facilities in pilot states, with two more batches expected in May and October to complete the 52,000-dose consignment.

Sources: The Cable, NASCP, Global Fund