The Kwara State Government has flagged off the rollout of a free long-acting HIV prevention injection for residents, as part of sustained efforts to reduce new infections and strengthen preventive services across the state.
The launch, held at the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH), Ilorin, featured the introduction of Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable administered as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), offering a convenient alternative to daily oral medication.
The initiative, according to the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam, aligns with the Federal Government’s strategy to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, with Kwara State selected among eight states, alongside the Federal Capital Territory, for the pilot phase.
Dr El-Imam also described the rollout in her remarks as a significant milestone in the State’s HIV response, noting that while progress had been made in scaling up testing and treatment services, prevention gaps still exist.
“This marks not just the introduction of a new medical intervention, but a bold step forward in our collective fight against HIV,” she added.
“Kwara State continues to bear a measurable burden of HIV. While we have made commendable progress in expanding access to testing and treatment, gaps remain in prevention, particularly among key and vulnerable populations”, the Commissioner stated.
Dr El-Imam stressed that although HIV prevalence in the general population remains relatively low, it is considerably higher among key populations, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.
She explained that the injectable is designed for individuals at substantial risk of HIV infection, particularly those who are HIV-negative but have partners living with HIV.
“This intervention is strictly for individuals who are HIV-negative. It is a preventive measure aimed at reducing the risk of infection among those most vulnerable,” she emphasised.
The Commissioner further noted that beyond its clinical effectiveness, the long-acting injection helps to address stigma associated with HIV prevention.
“In the past, individuals using oral PrEP sometimes faced stigma due to the visibility of daily medication. With this injectable, there is no need to carry pills. Clients simply visit a health facility twice a year for administration,” she said.
She, however, cautioned that the injection does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections and is not a vaccine, urging continued adherence to other preventive measures, including consistent condom use and avoidance of sharing sharp objects.
Dr El-Imam encouraged eligible residents to access the service at designated health facilities across the state, including KWASUTH.
“We urge all individuals at risk to take advantage of this opportunity by visiting our health facilities to receive the injection,” she said.
She also informed that the Federal Government commenced the rollout of Lenacapavir in March 2026, with about 52,000 doses secured for the initial phase.
The Commissioner emphasised that the drug is being provided free of charge in public health facilities, with significant global subsidies supporting access.
She further explained that the introduction of the twice-yearly injectable represents a shift from daily oral HIV prevention to more convenient and sustainable biomedical solutions, positioning Kwara State at the forefront of innovative strategies to significantly reduce new HIV infections.
