Sex workers and other eligible individuals in Nigeria are seeking the twice-yearly injectable HIV-prevention drug, Lenacapavir, as demand depletes supplies in some states. The Federal Government’s pilot programme, which started in March, has seen growing demand for the injection, particularly among sex workers, who find it more discreet and convenient than daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis drugs. However, some states, including Benue, Kwara, Gombe, and Cross River, have experienced stock-outs.
The Lenacapavir injection, developed by Gilead Sciences and recommended by the World Health Organisation, provides an alternative to daily oral pills for HIV prevention. Administered once every six months, the injectable has been in high demand since its introduction in May. In Benue State, over 2,000 HIV-negative people have received Lenacapavir since its introduction, according to the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche. The initial allocation has been exhausted, and the state is awaiting additional supplies.
In Kwara State, the AIDS Programme Coordinator, Muhammed Rasheed, said over 800 doses were exhausted about two weeks ago, and more than 1,000 additional doses were expected. The state is working to extend the doses to more facilities as more supplies come in. Meanwhile, in Cross River State, visits to hospitals and health facilities have shown that uptake has increased in the last two months, particularly among sex workers.
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has attributed some of the supply challenges to logistics and funding constraints. According to NACA’s Zonal Coordinator for the North-East, Dr John Tobias, the current rollout is a pilot programme designed to help health authorities understand issues around capacity, storage, demand, awareness, and distribution. The pilot has provided lessons on logistics, supply, uptake, awareness, and availability.
Dr Tobias said distribution and funding constraints could sometimes leave commodities available at the national level but unavailable in individual states. He cited instances where logistics challenges affected the movement of commodities from the national pool to states. Additionally, reductions in programme funding have affected several interventions, including the Lenacapavir programme.
In Lagos State, health officials have reported low uptake of the Lenacapavir injection, prompting appeals for eligible residents to come forward. The contrast between Lagos and other states highlights the need for increased awareness and education about the benefits of the injection. The Federal Government received 11,520 doses on March 19 and distributed them to 10 pilot locations.
The Lenacapavir injection has been endorsed by the World Health Organisation as an additional HIV-prevention option. The programme aims to provide eligible individuals with another choice of prevention method. As the Federal Government works to replenish supplies, eligible individuals are advised to seek the injection at designated health facilities.
Key points
- Sex workers are seeking the Lenacapavir injection due to its discreet and convenient nature.
- Some states have experienced stock-outs due to growing demand and logistics challenges.
- The Federal Government is working to replenish supplies and expand the programme nationwide.
