The Federal Government of Nigeria has secured a groundbreaking step in HIV prevention with the announcement of a drastic price cut for lenacapavir, a pioneering long-acting injection.
The development was revealed by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS during the Clinton Global Initiative 2025 Annual Meeting, held alongside the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Under the historic agreement, the twice-yearly injection will now cost just $40 (₦60,000) per person annually, a sharp drop from its original price of $28,000 (₦41.9 million).
With this reduction, millions of Nigerians and people in more than 100 low- and middle-income countries will gain access to the drug, which has demonstrated up to 100 percent effectiveness in preventing HIV infection.
Speaking on behalf of Nigeria at the event, NACA’s Director-General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, described the development as a game-changer in the nation’s HIV response.
“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 prevention option that offers longer protection, greater convenience, and renewed hope to millions at risk,” she stated.
Dr. Ilori emphasized that the breakthrough represents more than innovation, it represents fairness.
“This breakthrough does not remain a privilege for the few. It lays the foundation for broad, long-lasting impact for those who need it most,” she added.
The achievement was made possible through the collaboration of several global health partners, including UNITAID, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, Wits RHI, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. and the Gates Foundation.
These organizations have pledged to fast-track the rollout of affordable generic versions of lenacapavir, expected to be available as early as 2027.
Nigeria’s contribution to the agreement has been widely commended as a show of leadership at the UNGA, reinforcing the country’s determination to scale up prevention, strengthen health systems, and accelerate progress toward ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030.
Currently, more than two million Nigerians are living with HIV. While antiretroviral therapy is already accessible free of charge at public health facilities, lenacapavir’s introduction is set to provide a powerful new prevention tool, particularly for vulnerable groups.
