- The Federal Government has warned pregnant women against using Lenacapavir (LenPrEP) due to insufficient safety data
- The Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr Temitope Ilori, emphasised that the drug is preventive, not a treatment for HIV
- The National Coordinator of the programme, Adebobola Bashorun said the drug will complement existing prevention methods like oral PrEP
The Federal Government has warned pregnant women not to use the newly introduced long-acting HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir (LenPrEP), citing limited evidence on its safety during pregnancy.
The Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr Temitope Ilori, issued the clarification on Monday, March 23, during a media parley organised by the National HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja.
Her warning comes as the Federal Government prepares to roll out 52,000 doses of the injection across the country.
Ilori explained that although global clinical trials indicate that Lenacapavir is largely safe, there is not enough data to support its use among pregnant women.
“Even though LenPrEP is considered very safe based on global studies, it is not recommended for pregnant women. It is important to emphasise that this is a preventive intervention, not a treatment,” Ilori said.
She described the drug as a major advancement in HIV prevention but stressed that it does not provide protection against other sexually transmitted infections.
“We must stress that it does not prevent sexually transmitted infections or other infections like hepatitis. People must continue to take comprehensive precautions,” she added.
Also speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of the programme, Adebobola Bashorun, said efforts were underway to expand access to the injection nationwide.
“As we scale up, we are exploring catalytic funding to increase the number of doses and extend coverage to populations most at risk,” Bashorun said.
He clarified that Lenacapavir would not replace existing HIV prevention methods but would instead complement them.
“We already have multiple prevention options. Individuals can still use oral PrEP. National policy guidelines will determine how best to integrate this new option into existing programmes,” he added.
On safety, Bashorun noted that side effects reported so far have been mild.
“The common side effects include pain at the injection site, which is expected. We are actively monitoring for any adverse reactions, and so far, the outcomes are encouraging,” he said.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Salako, highlighted that the introduction of Lenacapavir is being supported through international partnerships.
“This drug is being made available through a partnership with the Global Fund. Over time, we expect to engage manufacturers directly and explore pathways for local production,” Salako said.
He added that 52,000 doses have already been secured for the first phase of implementation.
The minister described the rollout as part of Nigeria’s broader goal to eliminate HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
“The government of Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 through a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach that prioritises the expansion of prevention, treatment, and care services,” Salako said.
He further emphasised the importance of local manufacturing and long-term sustainability.
Lenacapavir, developed by Gilead Sciences, has gained global recognition as a breakthrough in HIV prevention. Unlike daily oral PrEP, the injection is administered just twice a year, offering a more convenient option for many users.
Nigeria continues to carry a significant HIV burden, with about 1.9 million people living with the virus, according to data from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS.
While experts have hailed the drug as a “game-changer,” concerns remain about affordability, funding sustainability, and the country’s health system readiness.
With HIV programmes in Nigeria still heavily reliant on donor support, stakeholders warn that long-term success will depend on equitable access, sustained financing, and proper integration into existing health strategies.
For now, authorities maintain that Lenacapavir is a valuable addition to HIV prevention efforts, but not a standalone solution.