Nigeria has achieved a historic milestone in the global fight against HIV following the announcement of a drastic price cut for lenacapavir, a revolutionary twice-yearly HIV prevention injection.
The development was unveiled at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2025 Annual Meeting, held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The Federal Government, through the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), played a central role in securing the agreement.
From $28,000 to $40: Making HIV Prevention Affordable
Under the new deal, the cost of lenacapavir has been slashed from an unaffordable $28,000 (₦41.9 million) to just $40 (₦60,000) per person annually. This remarkable price reduction makes the injection accessible to millions of people in Nigeria and over 100 other low- and middle-income countries. Clinical studies have shown that lenacapavir is up to 100 percent effective in preventing new HIV infections.
Nigeria’s Leadership in the Global Health Arena
Delivering Nigeria’s statement at the event, NACA’s Director-General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, described the agreement as a “turning point” in the country’s HIV response.
“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 declared.
She further stressed that the deal ensures 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.”
Nigeria’s active role at the UNGA has been widely commended, with observers describing it as proof of the country’s commitment to strengthening health systems and advancing the 2030 goal of ending HIV as a public health threat.
Coalition of Partners Behind the Breakthrough
The price reduction was achieved through a coalition of global health actors, including UNITAID, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Wits RHI, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (DRL), and the Gates Foundation. These organisations have also pledged to fast-track the rollout of generic versions of lenacapavir, expected by 2027, to further expand access.
Implications for Nigeria
With more than two million Nigerians currently living with HIV, the deal represents a potential game-changer. While antiretroviral therapy (ART) is already provided free at public facilities, lenacapavir introduces a powerful new prevention tool, particularly vital for vulnerable and high-risk populations.
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