The Federal Government has committed $346 million in co-financing for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria programmes in 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare response.

 

 

 

The disclosure was made by Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, during the national launch of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable for HIV prevention, in Abuja.

 

 

 

The funding, approved by Bola Tinubu, is expected to be included in the 2026 national budget.

 

 

 

Pate noted that the funds would support key areas such as medical commodities, laboratory surveillance, reagents, expansion of primary healthcare services, and financial protection for citizens.

 

 

According to him, by 2030, the country aims to rely more on domestic resources to fund priority health programmes.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Salako, disclosed that 93% of people living with HIV are aware of their status, 99% of diagnosed individuals are receiving treatment, and 95% of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression.

 

 

 

He added that prevention of mother-to-child transmission has improved significantly, rising from 33% in 2023 to nearly 70% in 2025.

 

 

 

The introduction of Lenacapavir was described as a major breakthrough, offering a more convenient prevention option, especially for high-risk individuals. The Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, also noted that the injectable represents a major step forward in expanding HIV prevention options.

 

 

 

The rollout of the drug has begun in several states, including Anambra State, Ebonyi State, Gombe State, Kwara State, Akwa Ibom State, Cross River State, Benue State, and the Federal Capital Territory.

 

 

 

However, health authorities noted that pregnant women are not yet eligible for the injection due to limited safety data. Lenacapavir is administered twice yearly as pre-exposure prophylaxis, providing an alternative to daily oral HIV prevention pills.