From January to April 2026, Nigeria recorded a decline in reported HIV cases amid growing demand for Lenacapavir, the newly introduced twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, across several states.
The government has targeted eight states for the initial implementation of the programme, with increasing demand from Nigerians, as the anti-HIV injection is administered once every six months and is used to treat and prevent HIV infection.
States where the HIV prevention programme is being piloted include Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, Gombe, Kano and Kwara, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
Between January and April 2026, data from the National Data Repository showed that reported HIV cases dropped steadily, declining from 8,494 cases in January to 7,893 in February, 7,814 in March and 6,458 in April.
The Federal Government began deploying Lenacapavir to prevent HIV infection among people at risk, a development believed to have contributed to the decline.
The first shipment of the injectable drug was officially received in Nigeria on March 10, 2026, with the Federal Government securing more than 52,000 doses for the initial rollout phase. So far, 11,520 doses have been delivered into the country.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, while announcing the arrival of the medication, described the development as another important step in Nigeria’s efforts to end HIV as a public health threat.
The ministry, through the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme, said: “The long-acting injectable provides sustained protection for people at risk of HIV and helps improve adherence to prevention.”
Nigeria’s HIV cases decline in four months
