RismadarVoice Reporters, April 28, 2026
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has taken delivery of over 4,000 vials of a long-acting HIV prevention injection, with authorities confirming that the medication will be offered free of charge to eligible residents.
The Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, disclosed this during the official launch of LenPrEP at Asokoro District Hospital in Abuja on Tuesday.
Fasawe described the introduction of LenPrEP as a breakthrough in HIV prevention, particularly for individuals who find it difficult to adhere to daily medication.
“Today, we launch LenPrEP — a long-acting injectable HIV prevention option that represents a true game changer in our response,” she said.
According to her, the injection is administered twice a year, offering a more convenient and discreet alternative to daily oral preventive drugs.
“The most exciting part of this medication is that you only have to take it twice a year. With two injections and healthy habits, we can significantly reduce the risk of infection,” she added.
She clarified that LenPrEP does not replace existing preventive measures such as oral PrEP, condom use, and behavioural interventions, but rather complements them as part of a broader, combination approach.
Fasawe noted that the initiative would benefit various groups, including discordant couples and individuals at higher risk due to occupational or lifestyle exposure.
She also emphasised that HIV care in the FCT goes beyond medication, incorporating nutritional, social, and psychological support for patients.
“You cannot treat HIV without looking at the person holistically. We provide nutritional supplements, social support, and psychological care,” she said.
The mandate secretary called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders and urged the media to help raise awareness about the availability of the free injections, while cautioning against stigma and illegal sale of the medication.
The injections will be available at designated facilities including Asokoro and Maitama District Hospitals, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital in Gwagwalada, Federal Medical Centre Jabi, Lugbe Primary Healthcare Centre, and selected partner organisations.
In his remarks, the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Ghali Kassim, described the rollout as a “landmark moment” in public health.
He noted that global HIV prevention efforts are increasingly shifting toward long-acting, person-centred options, adding that the FCT has already recorded over 90 per cent viral suppression rates.
The Federal Government had earlier announced that Nigeria received 11,520 doses of Lenacapavir, with plans to deploy 52,000 doses in phases under a Global Fund-supported initiative.
The FCT is among eight states selected for the pilot phase, alongside Kwara, Gombe, Ebonyi, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Benue, as authorities aim to assess uptake and expand the programme nationwide.
Officials expressed optimism that the introduction of LenPrEP will significantly reduce new HIV infections and move the FCT closer to achieving zero new infections and zero discrimination.
