Kwara flags off free anti-HIV injection to strengthen prevention

The Kwara State Government has flagged off a free long-acting anti-HIV injection for residents as part of efforts to reduce new infections and strengthen prevention across the state.

The launch, which took place on Tuesday at the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital in Ilorin, introduced Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable used as pre-exposure prophylaxis, offering an alternative to daily oral medication.

The initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, with Kwara among eight states selected for the initial phase alongside the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, described the rollout as a major advancement in HIV prevention, noting that the state continues to record a notable burden despite progress in treatment and testing.

She said, “This marks not just the introduction of a new medical intervention, but a bold step forward in our collective fight against HIV.”

“Kwara State continues to bear a measurable burden of HIV. While we have made progress in scaling up testing and treatment services, gaps remain in prevention, particularly among key and vulnerable populations.”

She stressed that the state’s HIV prevalence, though relatively low in the general population, remains higher among key populations, making targeted prevention efforts critical.

“Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable antiretroviral administered twice yearly. It addresses one of the most persistent challenges in HIV control; adherence to daily medication, while its mechanism of action targets the HIV capsid to prevent viral replication.”

“This innovation is especially promising for populations who face barriers to daily oral PrEP, including stigma, limited access to health services, and challenges with consistent medication adherence.”

The commissioner further explained that the introduction of the drug aligns with Kwara’s broader health strategy focused on expanding access and improving service delivery at all levels of care.

“In Kwara State, we are expanding community-based HIV prevention programmes, strengthening facility-level services, and integrating HIV care into primary healthcare. The addition of Lenacapavir will significantly enhance these efforts.”

She added that the government would continue to work closely with partners to ensure the intervention reaches those who need it most.

“We are committed to ensuring equitable access through strengthened partnerships with development partners, implementing agencies, and community stakeholders.”

“We will scale up awareness, build the capacity of healthcare workers, and ensure efficient service delivery across the state.”

She described the launch as a call for renewed commitment among stakeholders in the health sector.

“This launch is a call to action to strengthen our resolve and work collectively towards ending HIV as a public health threat. With innovations like Lenacapavir, that goal is increasingly within reach.”

Also speaking, the Director of Public Health at the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Dr. Oluwatosin Fakayode, described the development as another milestone in the state’s health sector.

“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. Kwara is one of the few states where this injection has arrived.”

“The launch marks another milestone for the state in strengthening HIV prevention. We hope to receive more doses from the Federal Ministry of Health as demand increases and reporting improves.”

On his part, the State Lead for the Society for Family Health, Dr O.N. Omede, said the intervention is targeted at HIV-negative individuals at substantial risk, particularly those in sero-discordant relationships.

“What we are here to achieve today is the flag-off of this injection. It is a pre-exposure, long-lasting injection that can protect an individual for up to six months.”

“We are targeting individuals at substantial risk of HIV infection, especially those who are HIV-negative but have partners who are positive. This injection is strictly for people who are HIV-negative.”

He noted that beyond its clinical benefits, the injection helps to address stigma associated with HIV prevention.

“In the past, individuals taking oral PrEP have faced stigma when seen with medication. This injection reduces that challenge because there is no need to carry tablets. You visit a facility, take your shot, and you are protected for six months.”

“It does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections. It is not a vaccine or immunisation. Individuals must continue other preventive measures, including the use of condoms and avoiding the sharing of sharp objects.”

He urged eligible residents to access the service at designated facilities, including the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital.

“We expect that individuals at risk will take advantage of this opportunity by visiting health facilities to receive the injection.”

The Federal Government had commenced the rollout of Lenacapavir in March 2026, with about 52,000 doses secured for the initial phase.

The drug, also known by its brand name Sunlenca, is being provided free of charge in public health facilities, with reports indicating it is heavily subsidised globally.

The introduction of the twice-yearly injectable marks a transition from daily oral HIV prevention to more convenient and sustainable biomedical solutions, positioning Kwara State at the forefront of innovative strategies aimed at significantly reducing new infections.