Federal Government has secured a landmark price reduction for the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, lenacapavir, lowering the cost from 28,000 dollars to just 40 dollars per person.
Mrs Toyin Aderibigbe, Deputy Director, Public Relations and Protocol Division at the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), confirmed the development in a statement on Friday.
NACA Director-General, Dr Temitope Ilori, who joined global leaders on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, said the price cut would make the medicine accessible to millions in Nigeria and other countries.
Lenacapavir is up to 100 per cent effective in preventing new HIV infections.
“Today marks a milestone in our fight against HIV in Nigeria and globally. Through this landmark access agreement, we are unlocking affordable access to lenacapavir, a transformational new HIV prevention option that offers longer protection, greater convenience, and renewed hope to millions at risk. This agreement ensures that this breakthrough innovation does not remain a privilege for the few. It pairs innovation with equity, laying the foundation for broad, long-lasting impact for those who need it most,” Ilori said.
The announcement reflects Nigeria’s commitment to expand access to prevention, strengthen health systems, and accelerate progress toward ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030.
The breakthrough was achieved through collaboration with UNITAID, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Wits RHI, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (DRL), and the Gates Foundation.
(NAN)