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The Kwara State Government has taken a step ahead to curb new HIV infections with the rollout of a free, twice-yearly preventive injection, positioning itself among the first States to adopt a more convenient alternative to daily pills.
The launch of the long-acting anti-HIV drug, Lenacapavir, which took place at the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, aligns with the Federal Government’s goal of ending AIDs as a public health threat by 2030.
Kwara is selected alongside seven other States and the Federal Capital Territory for the pilot phase of the programme.
Speaking at the launch, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, described the initiative as a significant leap in prevention efforts amid persistent infection rates. “This marks not just the introduction of a new medical intervention, but a bold step forward in our collective fight against HIV.”
Dr El-Imam noted that while testing and treatment have improved, prevention gaps remain, especially among vulnerable groups who continue to record higher infection rates.
She explained that Lenacapavir, given twice yearly, addresses the long-standing challenge of adherence to daily medication by targeting the virus in a way that stops it from replicating.
According to her, the innovation is particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with daily PrEP due to stigma, limited access to care, or inconsistent drug use.
The Commissioner added that the rollout supports the State’s broader plan to expand access, strengthen facility services, and integrate HIV care into primary healthcare delivery.
She emphasized the government’s commitment to equitable access through partnerships with development agencies, community groups, and implementing organisations.
Dr El-Imam also pledged increased awareness campaigns, improved health worker capacity, and efficient service delivery across the State.
She described the launch as more than a medical milestone and called for renewed commitment to ending HIV.
The Director of Public Health, Dr. Oluwatosin Fakayode, also hailed the development as another milestone in Kwara’s health sector.
He said, “Lenacapavir is an innovative tool and an addition to what we have in our preventive arsenal to ensure that we drive down the prevalence of HIV.”
Dr Fakayode expressed optimism that more doses would be supplied as demand grows and reporting improves.
On his part, the State Lead for the Society for Family Health, Dr. O.N. Omede, said the injection is designed strictly for HIV-negative individuals at high risk of contacting the infection.
Dr Omede explained that the drug which offers individuals protection for up to six months, also reduces stigma, as users no longer need to carry daily medication, requiring only periodic visits to health facilities.
He however, cautioned that the drug does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections and is not a vaccine, urging continued use of condoms and avoidance of risky practices that could expose them to the infection.
The Federal Government began distributing Lenacapavir in March 2026, securing about 52,000 doses for the initial rollout phase.
The drug, also known as Sunlenca, is being offered free in public facilities and is heavily subsidised globally.
Its introduction signals a shift from daily oral HIV prevention to longer-acting, more practical solutions, placing Kwara at the forefront of efforts to significantly reduce new infections.
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