Korede Abdullah 
Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria limits the use of HIV prevention injection among pregnant women while planning nationwide expansion for high-risk groups.
The Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Temitope Ilori, on Monday said Lenacapavir (LenPrEP) is not yet approved for pregnant women due to insufficient safety data.
“Even though LenPrEP is considered very safe based on global studies, it is not recommended for pregnant women,” she says.
Officials emphasise the drug is preventive, not a treatment, and does not protect against other infections.
National Coordinator Adebobola Bashorun confirms plans to scale up distribution through targeted funding.
“As we scale up, we are exploring catalytic funding to increase access,” he says.
The Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Salako, highlights partnerships with the Global Fund to support rollout and local production.
The drug, developed by Gilead Sciences, is administered twice yearly and is seen as a major advance for individuals struggling with daily medication adherence.
Experts warn success will depend on equitable access and sustained financing, especially in a country with about 1.9 million people living with HIV.
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Oluwafunbi Bello 
Koko Maxwella 