A new HIV prevention drug, Lenacapavir, is now available in Nigeria at a cost of ₦58,000, raising hope in the country’s ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.
Lenacapavir is a twice-yearly injection used for the prevention and treatment of HIV. Health experts say it has shown very high effectiveness in preventing HIV infection when used properly. The drug has already been approved in several countries and is now being introduced into Nigeria’s healthcare system.
In 2025, Nigeria joined other countries in announcing a major price reduction for the drug. Under a new agreement, the cost of Lenacapavir dropped from about $28,000 per person per year to just $40 per person annually. This price cut is seen as a major breakthrough in making the drug affordable for low- and middle-income countries.
The new price translates to about ₦58,000 in Nigeria, making it far more accessible than before.
Lenacapavir is different from many other HIV prevention methods because it is given only twice a year. Most other preventive drugs, such as daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), require users to take pills every day. For some people, taking a daily pill can be difficult due to forgetfulness, stigma or limited access to health facilities.
With Lenacapavir, a person receives one injection every six months. This reduces the burden of daily medication and may improve adherence.
Health experts say studies have shown the injection to be up to 100 per cent effective in preventing HIV infection in some clinical trials when taken as directed. This high level of protection has led to strong interest from governments and global health organisations.
Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of people living with HIV in the world. According to recent data from health authorities, about 1.9 million Nigerians are living with HIV. Although the country has made progress in reducing new infections and improving access to treatment, challenges remain.
For years, the government and partners have promoted the use of condoms, safe sex education, HIV testing, and antiretroviral therapy to control the spread of the virus. The introduction of Lenacapavir adds another tool to the prevention strategy.
The recent price reduction was made possible through negotiations involving Nigeria and global health partners. By lowering the price from $28,000 to $40 per year, the agreement aims to ensure that people in developing countries can access the drug.
Health advocates say the reduced price shows the importance of global cooperation in fighting diseases like HIV.
However, experts also note that availability alone is not enough. There must be proper awareness, distribution, and monitoring to ensure that those who need the drug can access it safely.
As Lenacapavir enters the Nigerian market at ₦58,000, many see it as a hopeful step in the long battle against HIV/AIDS. If widely adopted, the twice-yearly injection could play a key role in reducing new infections and moving Nigeria closer to ending the HIV epidemic.
