Nigeria has secured a major breakthrough in the fight against HIV with the announcement of a landmark price reduction for the revolutionary drug, lenacapavir.
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) revealed the deal at the 2025 Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting, held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
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Under the new access agreement, the cost of the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection will drop from $28,000 (₦41.9 million) to just $40 (₦60,000) per person per year.
The price cut makes the drug accessible not only to millions in Nigeria but also to over 100 low- and middle-income countries.
Lenacapavir has proven to be up to 100 percent effective in preventing new HIV infections.
NACA Director-General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, hailed the development as a turning point for Nigeria and the global HIV response.
“Through this landmark agreement, we are unlocking affordable access to lenacapavir a transformational prevention option that offers longer protection, greater convenience, and renewed hope,” she said.
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Ilori emphasized that the deal ensures innovation goes hand in hand with equity, creating long-term impact for those most at risk.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
