The Federal Capital Territory Administration has launched a free long-acting HIV prevention injection known as LenPrEP, with more than 4,000 vials already received for eligible residents.

The Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, disclosed this on Tuesday during the official launch at Asokoro District Hospital in Abuja.

She described the initiative as a breakthrough in HIV prevention, especially for people who find it difficult to take daily medication.

According to her, LenPrEP offers a discreet, convenient, and highly effective alternative to daily oral HIV prevention drugs.

Fasawe explained that the injection does not replace oral PrEP, condoms, or behavioural prevention methods, but instead adds another option to strengthen HIV prevention efforts.

She said the FCT currently has an HIV prevalence rate of about 1.4 per cent, with over 60,000 people already on treatment.

The territory is among the selected pilot areas for the phased rollout, with priority to be given to people considered at higher risk of HIV infection.

She confirmed that the medication would be provided free of charge to key and target populations.

Fasawe added that one of the major advantages of the drug is that it is taken only twice a year, making adherence easier for users.

She said the intervention would also benefit discordant couples and individuals who consider themselves at risk because of their occupation or lifestyle exposure.

According to her, the HIV response in the FCT also includes nutritional support, social assistance, and psychological care, not just medication.

She urged stakeholders, healthcare workers, media organisations, and residents to help raise awareness while discouraging stigma and illegal sale of the medicine.

The injections will be available at selected hospitals and health centres, including Asokoro Hospital, Maitama Hospital, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Federal Medical Centre Jabi, Lugbe Primary Healthcare Centre, and partner organisations.

Fasawe expressed optimism that the programme would significantly reduce new HIV infections in the coming years, with the goal of zero new infections and zero discrimination.

The Federal Government had earlier announced that Nigeria received 11,520 doses of Lenacapavir, with plans to deploy 52,000 doses in phases under a Global Fund-supported programme.

Eight states and the FCT were selected for the pilot phase of the nationwide rollout.