The Akwa Ibom government has launched the Long-Acting Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, LENACAPAVIR (LEN-PrEP) drug, a new HIV injectable prevention therapy aimed at boosting the State’s response to growing infection.
The launch of the initiative, which was done by Akon Eyakenyi, Deputy Governor, on behalf of Governor Umo Eno at Primary Healthcare Operational Base, Barracks Road, Uyo, the State capital, underscored the commitment of the State Government in responding to HIV prevention in the State.
Eyakenyi, who described the introduction of LENACAPAVIR (LEN-PrEP) as a major breakthrough in medical science and a significant milestone in the fight against HIV/AIDS, urged that the intervention should be made accessible to residents who require it.
She said HIV remains a major public health challenge globally and in Africa, noting that Nigeria still has a high burden of the disease, with Akwa Ibom recording a prevalence rate above the national average.
According to her, beyond health implications, HIV has affected families, strained public resources and impacted national productivity, while stigma against people living with the virus has continued to hinder effective response efforts.
She commended healthcare professionals, development partners, the World Health Organisation, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, and other stakeholders for their contributions to improving HIV prevention and treatment.
Eyakenyi also acknowledged the support of the State House of Assembly, assuring that the bill seeking further intervention in the health sector would be presented to Governor Umo Eno for due consideration and assent.
She cautioned that the availability of the preventive drug should not encourage unsafe sexual practices, stressing the need for responsible lifestyles, a high level of morality and continued adherence to other HIV prevention measures while urging healthcare workers to maintain professionalism and uphold global standards in patient care.
Earlier, Ekem John, Commissioner for Health, described the launch as a turning point in HIV prevention, saying the innovation would address challenges associated with daily oral preventive medication.
The Commissioner said that although HIV currently has no known cure, advances in science have changed the perception of the virus from a once fatal condition to a manageable health challenge through effective treatment and prevention.
He said LENACAPAVIR (LEN-PrEP) would improve adherence, enhance privacy for users and provide stronger protection against HIV infection, citing clinical evidence showing high levels of effectiveness.
The Commissioner noted that the intervention would be particularly beneficial for people who face difficulties maintaining daily medication routines, adding that it would strengthen efforts to reduce transmission.
He stressed the importance of HIV prevention and the need to end discrimination against people living with the virus while warning against risky behaviour.
He said, “The availability of LEN-PrEP should complement, not replace, other preventive measures such as condom use and responsible sexual practices.
According to him, “HIV prevalence figures should not create unnecessary alarm,” explaining that improved survival among people living with HIV through access to effective treatment contributes to measurable prevalence rates.
He lauded development partners, including the National Agency for the Control of AIDS and other health organisations, for supporting Akwa Ibom as one of the pilot states for the intervention.
Presenting an overview of LEN PrEP implementation in the State, Aniekan Umoh, State AIDs Programme Coordinator, disclosed that Akwa Ibom is one of the eight States selected nationwide to pilot the implementation of LEN PrEP, while nine health facilities were selected as pilot sites across the three senatorial districts of Akwa Ibom.
He listed the facilities to include General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, Primary Health Centre Operational Base, Uyo, One- Stop Shop, Uyo, Imagining Missionary Hospital, Ibesikpo, Immanuel General Hospital, Eket, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, PHC Ikot Ebok, Eket, General Hospital, Iquita Oron and Primary Health Centre, Enwang in Mbo Local Government Area.
