The development comes as the Federal Government begins deploying the twice-yearly HIV prevention medication in selected pilot states amid rising demand and growing public interest. It offers a long-acting alternative to daily HIV prevention pills. The WHO’s endorsement in July 2025 marked a milestone in global HIV prevention strategy as the organisation urged nations to incorporate the injectable into broader prevention programmes. The Federal Government, through the National HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, announced the receipt of the HIV prevention injection on March 11. According to him, while the twice-yearly injection represents a major advancement in HIV prevention, its deployment in the country must strictly follow national drug safety protocols.

Source: Punch March 22, 2026 17:22 UTC