In Nigeria, pregnant and breastfeeding women facing a risk of HIV exposure can access pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as an additional tool for preventing HIV. According to Comfort Amina Ochigbo, a prevention programme lead at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), women at risk of HIV can use daily oral PrEP during pregnancy and breastfeeding under Nigeria's national guidelines. Ochigbo stressed that women must take the medication every day as prescribed for it to be effective.
For women whose partners are living with HIV, oral PrEP can be a beneficial option to remain HIV-negative. However, pregnancy can affect the choice of PrEP formulation, as Nigeria's national guidance does not provide for injectable PrEP for pregnant women in the same way as oral PrEP. Women who were already receiving injectable PrEP before becoming pregnant can discuss their options with a healthcare provider and may continue or switch to oral PrEP.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women need to take oral PrEP every day for it to be effective, but they do not need to change their diets simply because they are taking PrEP. However, taking PrEP requires testing and follow-up, including HIV status checks every three months and a baseline assessment of kidney function and creatinine levels.
Uchechi Nzenwata, a senior nursing officer with the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCAP), Federal Ministry of Health, noted that pregnancy is an important consideration when choosing a PrEP option. Available options include oral PrEP and long-acting injectable PrEP, while newer prevention options like lenacapavir are being introduced.
Nzenwata said healthcare providers should explain the available options and support clients to make informed decisions. Women using contraceptives can also access and use PrEP, as there is no problem with using both. The national guideline specifies 18 years and above for women seeking PrEP.
Kareem, a programme officer with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), said PrEP is available to people who meet the eligibility requirements regardless of age or gender. Eligible clients can choose their preferred PrEP method and are not required to switch from oral medication to an injectable option.
As Nigeria expands its range of HIV prevention options, officials emphasised counselling, testing and clinical assessment to help eligible people choose a method appropriate to their circumstances. For women facing the possibility of HIV exposure during pregnancy or breastfeeding, PrEP offers another way to protect their health—and potentially that of their children.
Key points
- Oral PrEP is available under Nigeria's national guidelines for pregnant and breastfeeding women at risk of HIV exposure.
- Women must take oral PrEP every day as prescribed for it to be effective.
- Eligible clients can choose their preferred PrEP method, including oral PrEP and long-acting injectable PrEP.
