Nigeria launches injectable lenacapavir, pledges $346 million boost to HIV, TB, Malaria programmes
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending HIV and tuberculosis (TB) as major public health threats, emphasizing stronger domestic financing, coordinated health systems, and innovative interventions. At a
- From Dele Anofi, Abuja
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending HIV and tuberculosis (TB) as major public health threats, emphasizing stronger domestic financing, coordinated health systems, and innovative interventions.
At a briefing in Abuja on Tuesday to mark World TB Day 2026, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, announced plans to allocate an additional $346 million in the 2026 budget for TB, HIV, and malaria programmes.
He said the government aims to ensure that Nigeria can fund priority health initiatives domestically by 2030, reducing dependence on external grants.
The event also included the official launch of the Multisectoral Accountability Framework for TB (MAF-TB) and the introduction of long-acting injectable Lenacapavir for HIV prevention, under the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programme.
Pate highlighted that declining global health funding and multiple crises make domestic ownership and innovative approaches crucial for sustaining progress.
He stressed that avoiding siloed interventions and adopting a sector-wide approach will improve efficiency and maximise impact.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Adekunle Salako, noted that the event represents a shift towards an integrated, innovative, and accountable health system.
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He highlighted Nigeria’s achievements in TB control, with case notifications rising from 138,591 in 2020 to nearly 440,000 in 2025, and treatment success rates remaining at 94 per cent.
On HIV, Nigeria is approaching the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, with 93 per cent of people knowing their status, 99 per cent of those on treatment, and 95 per cent achieving viral suppression.
Salako described the introduction of Lenacapavir as a major breakthrough, providing discreet, long-acting protection for individuals at high risk or facing adherence challenges.
About 52,000 doses of Lenacapavir have been secured for the national rollout, initially targeting the FCT, Anambra, Ebonyi, Gombe, Kwara, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Benue states.
Dr Aderonke Agbaje, Director of Special Projects at the Institute of Human Virology of Nigeria, described the rollout as a key expansion of HIV prevention options for at-risk populations.
Jean-Thomas Nouboussi of the Global Fund praised Nigeria for integrating TB and HIV initiatives, noting that Lenacapavir is a global innovation addressing adherence challenges and extending protection to underserved populations.
He said Nigeria, among nine early adopter countries, is expected to receive 179,700 doses by 2028, with plans to reach two million people with the drug across the country.
Nouboussi also stressed the need for continued domestic investment in TB programmes to sustain progress.
Representing the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWAN), Abdulkadir Ibrahim called for stronger government commitment, warning that both HIV and TB remain critical public health challenges requiring sustained action.
