Nigeria Joins Global Deal To Cut Cost Of HIV Prevention Drug

The Nigerian government has aligned with global leaders to announce a significant price reduction for lenacapavir, a groundbreaking HIV prevention drug, during the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The declaration was made on Thursday at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2025 Annual Meeting in New York.

Under the new agreement, the cost of lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injection shown to be up to 100 percent effective in preventing HIV infection, will decrease from $28,000 to only $40 per person annually. This landmark deal is anticipated to make the drug accessible to millions in Nigeria and over 100 low- and middle-income countries, a step celebrated as a major stride toward global health equity.

Representing Nigeria, Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), hailed the announcement as a pivotal moment in the battle against HIV. “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 new HIV prevention option that offers longer protection, greater convenience, and renewed hope to millions at risk,” she said. Ilori underscored that this development ensures lifesaving innovation is not limited to a few but is equitably provided to those most in need.

HIV remains a critical public health challenge globally. The virus weakens the immune system, making the body susceptible to infections and diseases, and without treatment, it can progress to AIDS. Early symptoms often include fever, rash, sore throat, fatigue, and weight loss, though many individuals may remain asymptomatic for years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by the end of 2024, approximately 40.8 million people were living with HIV worldwide, with nearly 65 percent residing in the African region. In 2024, 630,000 people died from HIV-related causes, and 1.3 million new infections were recorded, including 120,000 children.

While access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) has expanded, with 31.6 million people receiving treatment in 2024 compared to 30.3 million the previous year, Nigeria continues to face a significant burden. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated HIV prevalence among Nigerians aged 15–49 at 1.3 percent in 2023. That year, approximately 30,000 HIV-related deaths occurred among those aged 15 and older, while over 1.6 million Nigerians in that age group were on ART.

The World Health Organization has endorsed injectable lenacapavir as an additional pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option for individuals at high risk of infection. Administered biannually, the treatment provides long-term protection, making it especially valuable for populations with limited access to healthcare facilities.

The substantial price reduction was achieved through collaboration with UNITAID, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Wits RHI, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., and the Gates Foundation. The Gates Foundation previously announced a manufacturing partnership with Indian pharmaceutical company Hetero Labs to reduce production costs and enhance global access.

Nigeria’s involvement in the agreement highlights its leadership at the UNGA in advancing global health solutions. Officials emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s dedication to strengthening health systems, expanding prevention programs, and accelerating efforts to eliminate HIV as a public health threat by 2030.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli