Benue Unveils Twice-Yearly Drug Lenacapavir for HIV Prevention


The Benue State Government has unveiled Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking twice-yearly injectable medication for HIV prevention, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against the virus and raising hopes for improved protection among vulnerable populations in one of the country’s hardest-hit states.


Health authorities described the introduction of the drug as a major advancement in HIV prevention efforts, particularly in Benue, which has consistently recorded one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in Nigeria. Officials said the long-acting injectable offers a discreet, convenient, and highly effective alternative to daily oral prevention pills, potentially transforming adherence levels and reducing new infections across communities.



The launch ceremony, attended by state officials, healthcare professionals, development partners, civil society groups, and public health advocates, underscored the growing urgency to adopt innovative strategies in addressing the HIV epidemic in Nigeria.


According to health experts, Lenacapavir belongs to a new class of antiretroviral medicines designed to prevent HIV infection with only two injections per year. The drug is expected to particularly benefit individuals who struggle with taking daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication due to stigma, forgetfulness, accessibility issues, or social pressure.


Speaking during the unveiling, state health authorities said the initiative demonstrates Benue’s commitment to strengthening HIV prevention and ensuring residents have access to modern healthcare interventions.


Officials noted that despite years of awareness campaigns, testing programs, and treatment expansion, new HIV infections remain a serious concern in many communities, especially among young people, women, and key populations vulnerable to infection.


They explained that the introduction of Lenacapavir could help close major gaps in prevention by offering longer protection with fewer hospital visits and less risk of public exposure associated with taking daily medication.


“This is a major step forward in our public health response. We are introducing a preventive option that gives people dignity, convenience, and effective protection,” one official said during the event.


Healthcare workers at the launch described the drug as a potential game-changer for HIV prevention in Nigeria, especially in regions where stigma continues to discourage people from openly seeking treatment or prevention services.


Many public health experts have long argued that one of the biggest barriers to HIV prevention is adherence to daily oral medications. While daily PrEP has proven highly effective globally, maintaining consistent use has remained difficult for many people because of socioeconomic pressures, misinformation, fear of discrimination, and limited healthcare access.


Lenacapavir is expected to reduce those challenges significantly because individuals would only need injections twice a year instead of taking tablets every day.


Medical professionals at the unveiling stressed that the drug does not cure HIV but helps prevent infection among HIV-negative individuals who may be at substantial risk of exposure. They also emphasized the need for continued HIV testing, counseling, condom use, and public awareness alongside the rollout of the injectable treatment.


Benue has long occupied a central place in Nigeria’s HIV response efforts due to the burden of infections recorded in the state over the years. Public health data have repeatedly shown that the North-Central state faces unique challenges linked to poverty, migration, healthcare access limitations, and social vulnerability.


Community leaders and civil society organizations welcomed the introduction of the drug, saying it could encourage more people to participate in prevention programs without fear of stigma.


Several advocacy groups described the twice-yearly injection as an important breakthrough for women and young people who may not be able to negotiate safer sex practices or maintain daily medication routines.


A representative of a local HIV advocacy organization said the development could help restore confidence among individuals previously reluctant to seek preventive healthcare.


“For many people, especially women and young adults, daily pills can become a burden or even expose them to discrimination at home or in society. An injection every six months changes the conversation entirely,” the advocate said.


International health partners working with Nigeria’s HIV response also praised the initiative, describing it as part of a broader global effort to expand access to innovative HIV prevention technologies in low- and middle-income countries.


Experts say long-acting injectable prevention methods have the potential to revolutionize global HIV control strategies by improving adherence and reducing transmission rates.


The unveiling in Benue comes amid growing international interest in newer HIV prevention technologies that move beyond traditional daily oral regimens. Researchers and global health institutions have increasingly focused on long-acting injectables as a more practical option for many populations.


Public health specialists say the success of such interventions depends heavily on affordability, accessibility, community education, and sustained government commitment.


At the launch, officials assured residents that efforts were being made to ensure proper distribution channels, healthcare worker training, and awareness campaigns to support the implementation process.


Healthcare professionals also highlighted the importance of combating misinformation surrounding HIV prevention and treatment.


They warned that myths, fear, and social stigma continue to undermine efforts to reduce infections, particularly in rural communities where access to accurate medical information may be limited.


Doctors involved in the rollout stressed that while Lenacapavir offers strong protection against HIV, individuals must continue to engage in regular medical consultations and follow healthcare guidance.


Experts added that prevention efforts work best when combined with broader public health strategies including education, routine testing, and access to treatment services for people living with HIV.


Residents who attended the unveiling expressed optimism that the new intervention could improve healthcare outcomes and reduce the emotional burden associated with HIV prevention.


Some participants said the discreet nature of the injection would likely encourage wider acceptance among people who previously avoided preventive services because of fear of being judged.


A healthcare worker from Makurdi explained that many patients often abandon daily preventive pills due to pressure from family members or partners who misunderstand the purpose of the medication.


“People sometimes assume anyone taking HIV-related drugs must already be infected. That misunderstanding discourages prevention. A twice-yearly injection can help people protect themselves privately and confidently,” the worker said.


Medical experts say Nigeria remains one of the countries with a significant HIV burden globally, despite substantial progress made over the past two decades in testing, treatment, and awareness campaigns.


Federal and state governments, alongside international organizations, have invested heavily in expanding access to antiretroviral treatment and preventive services. However, experts say sustaining progress requires continuous innovation and adaptation to changing realities.


Public health analysts believe Benue’s decision to introduce Lenacapavir may encourage other Nigerian states to consider similar strategies in strengthening HIV prevention programs.


They argue that success in Benue could serve as a model for broader adoption across the country, especially in areas with elevated infection rates.


The launch also reflects increasing recognition of preventive healthcare as a key component of national development and public health security.


Officials emphasized that reducing HIV infections not only improves individual wellbeing but also eases pressure on healthcare systems, strengthens communities, and supports economic productivity.


At the event, stakeholders called for stronger collaboration between government agencies, international partners, community organizations, and healthcare providers to ensure the sustainability of the initiative.


They also urged continued investment in primary healthcare infrastructure, rural outreach, and youth-centered awareness campaigns.


Some experts stressed that while medical innovation is important, tackling social and economic inequalities remains essential in the broader fight against HIV.


According to them, poverty, gender inequality, unemployment, and inadequate education continue to increase vulnerability to infection in many communities.


Public health advocates therefore called for a holistic approach combining medical interventions with social support programs and economic empowerment initiatives.


Meanwhile, residents and healthcare workers expressed hope that the introduction of the twice-yearly injectable would mark the beginning of a new chapter in HIV prevention efforts within the state.


Many described the development as a sign of progress and renewed determination to reduce new infections and improve quality of life for vulnerable populations.


As Benue begins implementation of the new prevention strategy, health authorities say monitoring and evaluation systems will be crucial in assessing the impact of the intervention over time.


Officials said data gathered from the rollout would help guide future policy decisions, resource allocation, and expansion plans.


The state government reaffirmed its commitment to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring that residents benefit from modern medical advancements capable of addressing long-standing public health challenges.


For many observers, the unveiling of Lenacapavir in Benue represents more than the launch of a new drug. It symbolizes a shift toward more patient-centered, stigma-sensitive, and innovative approaches in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS.


With hopes high among healthcare professionals and communities alike, attention will now turn to how effectively the initiative can be implemented and whether it can help reduce new HIV infections in one of Nigeria’s most affected states.