Nigeria has reached an important goal in its fight against HIV by getting 11,520 doses of lenacapavir, a new long-acting injectable medicine.
According to the Daily Independent, this new medication is expected to change the way HIV is prevented and speed up the country’s efforts to get rid of the illness by 2030.
Health officials acknowledged the delivery of 11,520 doses of the injectable yesterday at the Federal Central Stores in Oshodi, Lagos. This was part of a Global Fund-supported program that will send a total of 52,000 doses in three batches.
Nigeria is one of nine countries chosen to be among the first to get the new injection, which shows how important it is to the global fight against HIV.
Pharm. Mohammed Patiko, who is in charge of procurement and supply chain management and spoke for the National Coordinator of the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said that the delivery was a key step in expanding Nigeria’s HIV prevention toolkit.
Patiko, who addressed at the welcome in Oshodi, Lagos, said, “We are here to get the first batch of 52,000 doses of the lenacapavir injection. The Global Fund gave this to Nigeria as one of the nine adopted countries in the world.
“It’s a preventative product that should lower the number of infections. We are anticipating three shipments. The first one, which we got today, has 11,520 doses. The second one will come in May, and the third one will follow in October.
The target group includes couples who are serodiscordant, those who are at risk of getting HIV/AIDS, and crucial demographics such men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), and transgender people.
“For the National HIV Program pilot and study, all enrolled clients will get the injection for free at certain health facilities in eight pilot states.
“The Global Fund supports the states of Kwara, Gombe, Ebonyi, and Anambra.” The FCT, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Benue are among states where it will be available at some secondary health facilities.
Patiko said that distribution is expected to start next week to certain facilities through existing logistics systems. He also said that lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable given twice a year, is a more convenient option than daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which has been linked to problems with adherence.
“Experts in public health suggest that this long-acting alternative might greatly increase use, especially among communities at high risk.
The pilot phase will focus on important groups, such as couples who are serodiscordant and people who are at higher risk of getting HIV, like sex workers, men who have sex with males, and transgender people.
Dr. Oladipupo Fisher, the State AIDS Program Coordinator in Lagos, noted that lenacapavir is a new tool that makes the country’s multi-pronged preventive effort even stronger.
Fisher stressed that Nigeria is using a mix of preventative measures, such as oral PrEP, vaginal rings, and various injectables, coupled with vigorous testing and treatment programs.
“By 2030, Nigeria will have gotten rid of HIV/AIDS.”These preventative solutions are very important for reaching global goals. They will help lower the number of new infections and assist contain the epidemic by 2030.
“For people who are already sick, treatment lowers the amount of virus in their body, which makes it less likely that they will pass it on. Getting more people to get tested and treated is still one of the most important efforts. The goal is to lower the number of new and old infections.
This injection is a preventive strategy that lowers the risk of getting HIV and helps stop its spread, but it is very important to stick to treatment.
“Promoting health is important; we need to get individuals to take charge of their own health. We are also raising awareness through a number of channels, such as social media, to let people know about the benefits and availability.
“When people on therapy reach viral suppression, they are much less likely to spread the virus. He said, “That is at the heart of our plan.”
Pharm. Chiagozie Mgbemena from the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) confirmed that the injection is safe.
“Any medicine that gets approved has to meet safety guidelines. Although clinical trials were not performed locally, the rollout offers a chance to observe safety within our population.
“We have systems in place to keep an eye on bad drug reactions.” NAFDAC will be told about any major adverse effects, and then it will decide what to do next.
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