Odita Sunday 
Nnenna Mba- Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Government has launched LENACAPAVIR (LEN PrEP), a long-acting injectable medication for HIV prevention administered once every six months, as part of efforts to reduce new HIV infections in the state.
Flagging off the programme at General Hospital Ezzangbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, described the innovation as a major breakthrough in HIV prevention, noting that the injection offers a more convenient alternative to the daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
According to him, the introduction of LEN PrEP aligns with global efforts to end HIV/AIDS and will help address challenges such as stigma and poor adherence to daily medication, especially among young people and vulnerable groups.
“LEN PrEP is not a replacement for other preventive measures. It is part of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy that includes testing, condom use, behavioural interventions and treatment services,” Ekuma said.
The commissioner thanked the Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, and the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) for selecting Ebonyi among the eight pilot states for the rollout of the intervention.
“This demonstrates our commitment to adopting evidence-based innovations that will improve the health and well-being of our people,” he added.
Ekuma also commended development partners including Global Fund, WHO, ECEWS, CARITAS, SASCP and SACA for their support in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He further praised Governor Francis Nwifuru and his wife, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, for what he described as massive investment in the state’s health sector.
Representatives of NASCP, SACA, ECEWS, CARITAS, NEPWHAN, CHAI and the Key Population Secretariat described the initiative as a renewed commitment toward reducing new HIV infections and safeguarding lives.
They also lauded the Commissioner for Health, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Lawrence Ezeogo, and other health workers for creating an enabling environment for effective healthcare delivery in the state.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Lawrence Ezeogo, alongside the Director of Public Health, Dr. Hyacinth Ebenyi, described Lenacapavir as a “game changer” in improving adherence to HIV prevention and reducing stigma.
Speaking during the event, the State AIDS Programme Coordinator, Mr. Clement Ogodo, disclosed that the injection is currently available in eight health facilities across the state, including AE-FUTHA, OSS Abakaliki, General Hospital Ezzangbo, General Hospital Onueke, EBSU Community Hospital, Police Command Clinic, ROMEC Afikpo and Mile 4 Hospital, Abakaliki.
Ogodo assured residents that awareness campaigns would be intensified to encourage people, especially those at substantial risk, to access the service at designated facilities statewide.
About the Author
