Mary-Treasure Amah, a health professional, has cautioned Nigerians against abusing Lenacapavir, emphasising that the injectable HIV prevention drug is not a licence for reckless sexual behaviour.

Ms Amah spoke on Monday in Calabar while reacting to the introduction of Lenacapavir Injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in Cross River State.

She explained that lenacapavir is a long-acting HIV prevention injection administered twice yearly to people at risk, adding that the drug works by blocking the virus capsid required for reproduction.

According to her, the intervention is a major breakthrough capable of reducing stigma and pill burden and improving HIV prevention among vulnerable groups through easier adherence compared with daily oral PrEP medication.

“Lenacapavir is not permission for promiscuity or reckless living; people must still make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health,” Ms Amah warned.

She, however, clarified that the injectable drug does not prevent pregnancy or other sexually transmitted infections, urging beneficiaries to continue practising responsible sexual and reproductive health behaviours at all times.

Ms Amah said that Cross River was selected among eight pilot states nationwide because of its strong commitment to HIV response programmes and consistent support for preventive healthcare interventions across communities.

Also speaking, Henry Ayuk, Cross River commissioner for health, described the initiative as a significant milestone in the fight against HIV/AIDS and improved healthcare delivery within the state.

Similarly, Yewande Olatunde, World Health Organisation coordinator in Cross River, said lenacapavir represents a strategic intervention for reducing HIV prevalence and strengthening prevention efforts in Nigeria and across Africa.

“Now let’s bring it home; Nigeria is about the fourth largest globally when it comes to HIV burden, so this, for me, is a fantastic approach at HIV prevention,” she stated.

Charles Iwara, director-general of the Cross River Agency for the Control of AIDS, said studies showed Lenacapavir provides about 99 per cent protection against HIV infection when properly administered through approved healthcare facilities. 

(NAN)