Nigeria HIV PrEP roll-out to add long-acting injections in 10 states

Thursday 16th October 2025

by inAfrika Newsroom

Nigeria HIV PrEP access is set to widen as health authorities prepare to introduce long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis in public facilities across 10 states, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. Officials completed a site-readiness assessment in more than 70 hospitals to guide a phased roll-out.

The National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme worked with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS and partners to survey delivery platforms, supply chains, staffing and data systems. The review aims to integrate injections that last two or six months into routine services alongside existing daily oral PrEP.

Nigeria HIV PrEP programmes have been available since 2016, but adherence and stigma remain hurdles. Health officials said offering multiple prevention options could close gaps for people who struggle with daily pills. WHO guidance supports client-centred choice and integration of prevention into sexual and reproductive health clinics and outreach.

The assessment covered screening protocols, stock management and training needs. Findings will shape a timetable for introducing injectable PrEP in antenatal clinics, family-planning units and community programmes serving people at substantial risk, including serodiscordant couples and key populations.

Nigeria aims to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Officials said the new step complements existing prevention, testing and treatment drives funded by domestic budgets and donors such as the Global Fund. WHO Nigeria said it will continue technical support on policy, supervision and monitoring.

Demand generation will be critical. Authorities plan public information campaigns to explain eligibility, safety and dosing schedules for injectable options. Health workers will receive additional training on counselling and follow-up to ensure clients return on time for repeat shots.

Nigeria HIV PrEP expansion comes as countries across Africa diversify prevention tools to reduce new infections. WHO said evidence shows long-acting injections significantly lower risk for people who face barriers to daily adherence. The agency urged sustained financing to keep supplies steady and avoid stock-outs that would disrupt care.

The programme’s first phase will prioritise facilities with demonstrated readiness and high-risk catchment areas. Officials will track uptake, retention and adverse-event reporting to adjust protocols before national scale-up. Early indicators will include appointment adherence and continuity between community referrals and facility services.

For patients, the promise is fewer clinic visits and less pill fatigue. For the health system, the challenge is maintaining cold-chain integrity, training staff and aligning data tools across programmes. WHO said embedding PrEP within routine services remains the surest way to expand reach sustainably.

If the launch proceeds as planned, Nigeria HIV PrEP access could broaden in 2026 as more states join. Authorities said the approach will be data-driven, with program managers scaling only where readiness and demand align.