Nigeria has recorded fewer HIV cases in the opening months of 2026. The drop coincides with the rollout of Lenacapavir, a new injectable drug administered twice yearly to prevent infection.
Numbers reported to the National Data Repository tell the story. Cases fell from 8,494 in January to just 6,458 by April.
The government is piloting the drug across nine locations. These include Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, Gombe, Kano, Kwara and the Federal Capital Territory.
Nigeria received its first shipment on March 10, 2026. The Federal Government had secured over 52,000 doses for this initial phase.
So far, 11,520 doses have arrived in the country. Officials say demand from Nigerians continues to grow steadily.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare hailed the arrival as a watershed moment. "It represents another critical stride toward eliminating HIV as a public health menace," a ministry spokesperson noted.
The National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme explained the advantage plainly. "The long-acting injectable ensures sustained protection and improves how people stick to prevention," according to the programme.
The World Health Organization endorsed Lenacapavir in July 2025. WHO unveiled this backing at the 13th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science held in Kigali, Rwanda.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO's Director-General, praised the medication as groundbreaking.
In his words: "While an HIV vaccine remains out of reach, Lenacapavir is the next best thing."
He explained further: "It's a long-acting antiretroviral proven in trials to prevent nearly all HIV infections among those at risk." The injectable represents the first twice-yearly PrEP option available globally.
According to Dr. Ghebreyesus, it offers advantages over daily pills and shorter-acting methods.
"WHO's new guidelines, alongside recent FDA approval, mark a critical moment in widening access to this tool," he noted.
He pledged international commitment to the cause. "WHO remains determined to work with countries and partners to deliver this innovation to communities rapidly and safely," he added.
Health authorities say the pilot phase will test several things. They want to gauge uptake, track how patients respond, and spot any implementation snags before national expansion.
Lenacapavir broadens prevention choices significantly. It matters most for people who struggle with taking daily pills, who face stigma, or who lack healthcare access.
Nigeria has approximately 1.9 million people living with HIV. The programme aims to shrink that figure substantially over time.
