By Stanley Nwako
The Anambra State Government has commenced the rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN PrEP), a long-acting injectable medication designed to prevent HIV infection, as part of efforts to strengthen HIV prevention and reduce new infections across the state.
The initiative marks a significant milestone in the state’s healthcare sector, with health authorities describing the programme as a major advancement in the campaign against HIV/AIDS.
Unlike the conventional daily preventive pills, LEN PrEP is administered twice a year, offering a more convenient option for individuals at risk of contracting HIV.
The medication is being provided free of charge at selected healthcare facilities, including the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku Awka; Federal Medical Centre, Onitsha; Trauma Centre, Oba; Comprehensive Health Centres in Ukpo and Neni; as well as OSS, Awka.
Speaking during the official launch, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Afam Obidike, stated that prevention remains a critical strategy in the drive to eliminate HIV. He noted that the introduction of LEN PrEP would help improve HIV prevention among vulnerable individuals and communities with higher exposure risks.
Dr Obidike cautioned against the commercialization or diversion of the medication, stressing that the drug is meant strictly for public health purposes.
He also appreciated the support of the Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, for his commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery in the state. According to him, the state’s HIV prevalence figures appear high partly because more residents are embracing regular testing and status checks.
Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Maureen Umeakuewulu, described the rollout as timely, especially with rising HIV cases among adolescents. She emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare and commended President Bola Tinubu for including Anambra among the states selected for the programme.
The Anambra State AIDS Programme Coordinator, Tonia Mbagwu, revealed that the state currently has an HIV prevalence rate of 2.4 percent, the highest in the South-East region. She disclosed that over 56,223 people are currently living with HIV in the state and highlighted the need for behavioural, structural, and biomedical interventions to curb the spread of the disease.
Representatives of the World Health Organization, National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), NACA, AHNI, AHF, CHAI, KNCV, JHPIEGO, HA SHMB, and other health stakeholders delivered goodwill messages at the event, which concluded with the formal inauguration of the programme, followed by the induction of the long-acting injectable lenacapavir to four eligible clients.
