JACOB OGODO, Abakaliki
In her efforts to eliminate HIV which has become a public health threat, Ebonyi state government has launched LENACAPAVIR (LEN PrEP), a long-acting injectable Pre Exposure Prophylaxis, known as LEN PrEP a prevention strategy to HIV, injected twice in a year.
In his address during the flag off at Ohaukwu General Hospital, Ezamgbo, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma, said that the event marks a significant milestone in their collective effort to eliminate HIV as a public health threat.
Ekuma noted that the introduction of LEN PrEP represents a major advancement in HIV prevention in Nigeria, adding that the innovative intervention provides long-lasting protection against HIV infection with just two injections per year, offering a more convenient and effective alternative to daily oral PrEP.
He said that Ebonyi State is proud to be among the selected states for the pilot rollout of the groundbreaking intervention by the Federal Ministry of and Social Welfare through the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Program (NASCP).
According to him, the burden of HIV remains a public health concern, particularly among young people and the vulnerable population.
The Commissioner stated that they have made significant progress in reducing new infections, but challenges such as stigma, poor adherence to daily medication, and limited access to services still persist.
“LEN PrEP offers us a new opportunity to address these barriers by providing a tactful, long-acting, and highly effective prevention option.
“As a government, we are committed to ensuring that this intervention is successfully integrated into our healthcare system in Ebonyi State.
“We will continue to strengthen our primary healthcare and Secondary facilities, build the capacity of our healthcare workers, and promote community awareness to ensure that no one is left behind by providing a free bias health service.
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.
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