The Akwa Ibom State Government has officially launched Long-Acting Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (LEN-PrEP), an injectable HIV prevention medication known as Lenacapavir, marking a significant step in the state’s efforts to reduce new HIV infections and strengthen public health interventions.
The launch ceremony, held on Monday, June 15, 2026, at the Primary Healthcare Operational Base, Barracks Road, Uyo, was performed by the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi.
She described Lenacapavir as a groundbreaking medical innovation and a major milestone in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. She emphasized the need to ensure that the intervention is accessible to residents who require it.
According to her, HIV remains a major public health challenge worldwide, particularly in Africa, with Nigeria continuing to bear a significant burden of the disease. She noted that Akwa Ibom State records an HIV prevalence rate above the national average, making sustained prevention efforts critical.
The Deputy Governor observed that beyond its health implications, HIV has affected families, strained public resources, and impacted productivity, while stigma and discrimination against people living with the virus continue to hinder effective response measures.
She commended healthcare professionals, development partners, the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), and other stakeholders for their contributions to HIV prevention and treatment efforts.
Senator Eyakenyi stated that the introduction of LEN-PrEP aligns with the health component of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which prioritizes quality and accessible healthcare through strengthened primary healthcare services, revitalized hospitals, specialized medical facilities, and expanded health insurance coverage.
She also acknowledged the support of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and assured that the bill seeking further intervention in the health sector would be presented to Governor Umo Eno for consideration and assent.
The Deputy Governor cautioned that the availability of the preventive medication should not encourage unsafe sexual behaviour, stressing the importance of responsible lifestyles, moral conduct, and adherence to established HIV prevention measures. She further urged healthcare workers to maintain professionalism and uphold global standards in patient care while reaffirming government’s commitment to eliminating stigma, myths and misconceptions associated with HIV.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, described the launch as a turning point in HIV prevention, noting that the innovation addresses challenges associated with daily oral preventive medications.
Dr. John explained that while HIV currently has no known cure, advances in medical science have transformed the disease from a fatal diagnosis to a manageable health condition through effective prevention and treatment strategies.
He noted that Lenacapavir offers improved adherence, greater privacy for users, and enhanced protection against HIV infection, citing clinical evidence that demonstrates its high effectiveness.
According to the Commissioner, the injectable preventive drug will particularly benefit individuals who struggle with maintaining daily medication routines and will strengthen efforts to reduce HIV transmission across the state.
Drawing from his experience as a medical practitioner, Dr. John stressed the importance of prevention and called for an end to stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV. He also warned that the availability of LEN-PrEP should complement, rather than replace, other preventive measures such as condom use and responsible sexual practices.
The Commissioner further clarified that HIV prevalence statistics should not create undue concern, explaining that improved access to treatment has increased the survival rate of people living with HIV, thereby contributing to prevalence figures.
He expressed appreciation to development partners, including NACA and other health organizations, for supporting Akwa Ibom as one of the pilot states selected for the rollout of the intervention.
Dr. John also commended Governor Umo Eno for prioritizing healthcare development, noting that the state is positioning itself as a future destination for medical tourism through major initiatives, including the proposed International Hospital under the Medical City project.
Providing an overview of PrEP implementation and the introduction of Lenacapavir in Akwa Ibom State, the State AIDS Programme Coordinator (SAPC), Dr. Aniekan Umoh, disclosed that Akwa Ibom is one of nine states selected nationwide to pilot the implementation of Long-Acting Injectable Lenacapavir (LEN-PrEP).
He explained that the state has made significant progress in preparing for the rollout as part of ongoing efforts to expand the range of HIV prevention options available to clients, improve access to prevention services and accelerate the attainment of HIV epidemic control.
Dr. Umoh further revealed that the state successfully conducted a state-level LEN-PrEP training for 42 healthcare workers drawn from the nine selected health facilities, alongside programme managers, implementing partners and community representatives. He noted that the capacity-building initiative was designed to equip stakeholders with the knowledge and skills required for the effective delivery, monitoring and scale-up of the innovative HIV prevention intervention across the state.
In their goodwill messages, representatives of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of AIDS (AKSACA), Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Heartland Alliance, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Centre for Clinical Care and Clinical Research Nigeria (CCCRN), and other development partners commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for its leadership and commitment to strengthening HIV prevention services.
They described the introduction of LEN-PrEP as a landmark achievement in the fight against HIV/AIDS and expressed confidence that the intervention would significantly reduce new HIV infections while improving access to prevention services for vulnerable populations. The partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the state in achieving HIV epidemic control and improving the overall health outcomes of its citizens.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Hon. Moses Essien, called for sustained efforts to eliminate HIV-related stigma and encouraged residents to take advantage of available prevention and treatment services.
With the launch of Lenacapavir (LEN-PrEP), Akwa Ibom joins a growing number of jurisdictions worldwide embracing innovative HIV prevention strategies aimed at reducing new infections, improving health outcomes and enhancing the quality of life of citizens.
Info and PR Unit
Ministry of Health