Anambra State AIDS & STI Control Programme

SASCP Leads Rollout of Long-Acting Injectable for HIV Prevention in Anambra

The Anambra State AIDS and STI Control Programme (SASCP) has successfully commenced the rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN PrEP), a long-acting injectable medication designed to prevent HIV infection, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen HIV prevention services and reduce new infections across Anambra State.

The initiative, carried out in collaboration with Anambra State Government and key health stakeholders, marks a significant milestone in the state’s healthcare sector and the fight against HIV/AIDS. Health experts describe the introduction of LEN PrEP as a major advancement in HIV prevention, offering a more convenient and effective option for individuals at risk of HIV infection.

Speaking on the development, stakeholders commended SASCP for its leadership and commitment toward expanding access to innovative HIV prevention interventions across the state. The programme is expected to improve adherence, increase prevention coverage, and support Anambra State’s drive toward achieving epidemic control.

Anambra State Launches Lenacapavir (LEN-PrEP): Twice Yearly Injectable HIV Prevention Now Available

Yesterday, 22nd May 2026, the Anambra State Ministry of Health, in partnership with the State AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (SASCP) and key implementing partners, officially launched Lenacapavir (LEN PrEP), a groundbreaking long-acting injectable HIV prevention option administered twice yearly. The launch took place at the NMA Hall, COOUTH, and marks a major step forward in expanding prevention choices and strengthening efforts to reduce new HIV infections across the state.

The launch, coordinated by SASCP, convened a broad coalition of stakeholders, including the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike; representatives from NASCP, NACA, SHMB, AHNI, AHF, CHAI, KNCV, WHO, JHPIEGO, NEPWHAN; healthcare workers; civil society organizations; key population communities; and the media. The event was moderated by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Afam Anaeme.

Speakers highlighted the importance of prevention in achieving epidemic control and emphasized equitable access to LEN PrEP for people at substantial risk of HIV acquisition.

During a demand creation session, Dr. Tonia Mbagwu, State HIV/AIDS Programme Coordinator, highlighted Anambra State’s progress in HIV prevention, noting that the state has achieved a 70:82:94 performance toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, with over 56,000 people currently receiving life-long antiretroviral therapy (ART). She emphasized the importance of combination prevention strategies, outlined the eligibility criteria for LEN-PrEP, and stressed the need to expand HIV prevention options for vulnerable populations.

Dr. Mbagwu further informed participants that LEN-PrEP is currently available in six facilities across the state: COOUTH Awka, FMC Onitsha, TC Oba, CHC Neni, CHC Ukpo, and OSS Awka. She also noted that Anambra is among the eight states in Nigeria implementing LEN-PrEP, alongside the FCT, Kwara, Gombe, Ebonyi, Benue, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health appreciated SASCP, AHNi, AHF, CHAI, NEPWHAN, and other partners for their continued commitment to HIV prevention, care, and treatment in Anambra State. He emphasized that prevention remains a critical strategy in the drive to eliminate HIV and noted that the introduction of LEN-PrEP would significantly strengthen HIV prevention among high-risk populations.

He further cautioned against the commercialization and diversion of LEN-PrEP, stressing that the injectable is not meant for sale and should remain accessible to all eligible individuals without discrimination. He also assured stakeholders that the State would closely monitor facilities and markets to prevent misuse of the commodity while encouraging continued innovation and demand creation for HIV testing and prevention services.

Following the official flag off, four eligible and consenting clients were successfully inducted into LEN PrEP during the event.

With an expanded prevention portfolio that now includes Oral PrEP, CAB LA, and LEN PrEP, Anambra State continues to move closer to reducing new HIV infections and ensuring healthier communities. The Ministry of Health and implementing partners thanked all participating organizations, healthcare workers, community representatives, and facilities for their steadfast support and commitment to the state’s HIV response.