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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Health & Science

FCT unveils free HIV prevention injection

From The Punch · (5m ago) English Positive tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nigeria has launched a free, long-acting injectable HIV prevention medication called LenPrEP.
  • Over 4,000 vials of LenPrEP have been received and will be provided to eligible residents, targeting individuals at higher risk of HIV infection.
  • This initiative aims to improve adherence to prevention methods, especially for those who struggle with daily oral medication, and complements existing prevention strategies.

Abuja is making a significant stride in public health with the introduction of LenPrEP, a groundbreaking long-acting injectable HIV prevention option. The Federal Capital Territory Administration's proactive step to offer this medication free of charge to eligible residents marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS. This initiative directly addresses a critical challenge: medication adherence. For many, the daily regimen of oral PrEP can be burdensome, but LenPrEP offers a discreet, convenient, and highly effective alternative, administered just twice a year.

Today, we launch LenPrEP — a long-acting injectable HIV prevention option that represents a true game changer in our response.

— Dr Adedolapo FasaweMandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Federal Capital Territory Administration, during the launch event.

Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, rightly calls LenPrEP a 'game changer.' This isn't merely an addition to our prevention toolkit; it's a strategic enhancement. By complementing existing methods like oral PrEP and condoms, LenPrEP strengthens our comprehensive approach, ensuring that individuals have diverse options tailored to their specific needs and lifestyles. The FCT's commitment to a combination prevention strategy is crucial, especially given the current HIV prevalence rate of approximately 1.4 percent and over 60,000 individuals already on treatment.

For many individuals, especially those who struggle with daily pill adherence, this innovation offers a discreet, convenient, and highly effective alternative.

— Dr Adedolapo FasaweExplaining the benefits of LenPrEP for adherence.

As one of the pilot areas for this phased rollout, the FCT is at the forefront of this public health innovation. The allocation of over 4,000 vials signifies a serious commitment to reducing new infections and accelerating progress towards the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. The fact that this advanced medication is now available for free to key and target populations is particularly commendable, removing a significant financial barrier and making preventative healthcare more accessible than ever before. This move by the FCT administration is not just about distributing medicine; it's about protecting lives and securing a healthier future for our community.

LenPrEP does not replace oral PrEP or other prevention methods. Rather, it strengthens our prevention toolbox.

— Dr Adedolapo FasaweClarifying that LenPrEP is an addition to, not a replacement for, existing prevention strategies.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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