The Anambra State Government has commenced the distribution of Lenacapavir (LEN PrEP), a long-acting injectable medication aimed at preventing HIV infection, in a major step toward strengthening HIV prevention efforts across the state.
Health officials describe the initiative as a significant milestone in the state’s public health response to HIV/AIDS, offering a modern alternative to daily oral preventive medication.
Unlike traditional pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drugs that require daily intake, Lenacapavir is administered twice yearly, making it a more convenient option for individuals at higher risk of HIV infection.
Free Access Across Selected Health Facilities
The injectable drug is being provided free of charge at designated health centres, including the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre Onitsha, Trauma Centre Oba, Comprehensive Health Centres in Ukpo and Neni, as well as the OSS facility in Awka.
Government Emphasises Prevention Strategy
Speaking at the official launch, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, said prevention remains central to efforts to eliminate new HIV infections. He noted that the introduction of the injectable option is expected to improve uptake of preventive care among vulnerable groups and high-risk populations.
Dr Obidike also warned against diversion or commercialisation of the medication, stressing that it is strictly intended for public health use.
He commended the state government under Governor Chukwuma Soludo for its continued investment in healthcare delivery. According to him, the reported rise in HIV prevalence in the state is partly linked to increased testing and improved case detection.
Rising Cases Among Adolescents Raise Concern
The Chief Medical Director of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Maureen Umeakuewulu, described the rollout as timely, particularly in light of growing HIV infections among adolescents.
She emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare measures and acknowledged federal support for including Anambra among pilot states for the programme.
HIV Burden in the State
The Anambra State AIDS Programme Coordinator, Tonia Mbagwu, disclosed that the state currently records an HIV prevalence rate of 2.4 percent, the highest in the South-East region.
She further revealed that more than 56,000 residents are currently living with HIV in the state, calling for stronger behavioural, structural, and biomedical interventions to curb transmission.
Stakeholder Support for the Programme
Representatives from global and national health organisations, including the World Health Organization, the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), and several implementing partners, expressed support for the initiative.
The event concluded with the formal inauguration of the programme and the administration of the injectable Lenacapavir to four eligible participants, marking the official start of its rollout in the state.