Nigeria Secures Affordable HIV Prevention Drug at UNGA

Nigeria has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the fight against HIV after securing affordable access to lenacapavir, a revolutionary HIV prevention drug.

According to a report by VANGUARD, the announcement was made at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2025 Annual Meeting on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Under the new access agreement, the cost of the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection has been reduced from $28,000 (₦41.9 million) to just $40 (₦60,000) per person per year. This development makes the medicine accessible to millions across Nigeria and more than 100 low- and middle-income countries. Studies have shown lenacapavir to be up to 100 percent effective in preventing new HIV infections.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, described the move as a turning point in Nigeria’s battle against HIV.

“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,” Ilori said.

She further emphasized that the agreement pairs innovation with equity.

“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 breakthrough was made possible through a coalition of global partners including UNITAID, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Wits RHI, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (DRL), and the Gates Foundation, who have also committed to accelerating the rollout of generic versions of lenacapavir as early as 2027.

Nigeria’s role in sealing this deal has been hailed as a demonstration of leadership at the UNGA, reaffirming the country’s commitment to expanding HIV prevention, strengthening health systems, and fast-tracking the goal of ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030.

Currently, over two million Nigerians are living with HIV. While antiretroviral therapy (ART) is already provided free of charge at public health facilities, lenacapavir is expected to open a new frontier in prevention, particularly for vulnerable populations.