HIV Injection Programme Flagg Off
Nigeria has officially rolled out Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking twice-yearly injection that transitions the nation’s HIV prevention strategy from daily pills to a bi-annual regimen, providing maximum protection.
Citizens received the long-acting dose during an event held under the slogan ‘Flagging off the future of HIV prevention’.
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Federal Capital Territory Mandate Secretary for Health and Environment said “Lenacapavir is long-acting and is for the prevention of HIV/AIDS. Across all populations, the first thing we check for is to ensure you’re HIV negative. If you’re positive, the medicine doesn’t work. It’s just a waste of resources and may even be injurious to your health.”
She noted that while the program prioritises high-risk groups and discordant couples, the drug is ‘really for everyone’ who tests negative.
The Value Addition
Lyka Ojolaku, one of the first recipients in Abuja with excitement said
“The reason why I decided to go for the injection is because I hardly take the tablets. Sometimes I forget to take the tablets. I just feel like taking the injection is better. After taking it, you rest for six months before taking another one. So I prefer this; it is better for me than taking the tablets.”
Lenacapavir is a first-of-its-kind ‘capsid inhibitor’ that blocks the virus from entering cells. Developed by Gilead Sciences, it is considered the most powerful HIV shield to date.
Nigeria aims to overcome its high HIV burden and daily pill adherence failures by introducing twice-yearly injections, a strategy designed to bypass social stigma and reach zero new infections by 2030.
Very Revolutionary
More on Lenacapavir : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T51ZuHEw1Y0
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Source : Viory/ YouTube
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