By Lucy Anyim
Ebonyi State has joined the global movement to end HIV/AIDS through the introduction of LENACAPAVIR (LEN PrEP), a long acting antiretroviral injection given once every six months for HIV prevention and it requires only two injections per year for protection.
Flagging off the Lena pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at the General Hospital Ezzangbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma described the innovation as a major advancement in HIV prevention in the country adding that the twice annual injection is a better alternative to daily oral PrEp.
He noted that HIV is a public health concern among young people including vulnerable population and outlined some of the things they have done to reduce new infections as well as challenges like stigma, poor adherence to daily medication among others and assured that Len PrEP is a highly effective prevention option.
According to him “LEN PrEP is not a replacement for other preventive measures. It is part of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy that includes testing, condom use, behavioral interventions and treatment services”
The medical expert thanked the Minister of Health, Prof Ali Pate and the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) for selecting Ebonyi State among the eight pilot States to rollout the prevention option pointing out that it “demonstrates our commitment to adopting evidence based innovations that will improve the health and well-being of our people”.
While he eulogized Global Fund, WHO, ECEWS, CARITAS, SASCP, SACA and all the development Partners for their efforts to end HIV/AIDS, he poured encomiums on the Ebonyi State Governor His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru for their huge investment in the health sector which he said has changed the health indices of the State.
In their goodwill messages the representatives of NASCP, Mrs. Akpati Rose; SACA, Prince Chibueze Iteshi; ECEWS, Dr. Olisa Obi; CARITAS, Mrs. Esther Bamidele; NEPWHAN, Mr. Martins Nwagwu; Key Population Secretariat, Mr. Awai Robson; Chai among others said that the new medical intervention is a renewed commitment to safeguard lives, reduce new HIV infections and build a healthier society.
They expressed their gratitude to the Commissioner, Dr. Moses Ekuma, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Lawrence Ezeogo and other health workers in the State for providing enabling environment for them to render services to the people.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Lawrence Ezeogo and the Director Public Health, Dr. Hyacinth Ebenyi praised the new revolution of twice yearly HIV prevention describing Lenacapavir as a game changer for adherence and stigma reduction. They urged residents especially those at substantial risk to take advantage of the opportunity to reduce their risk of acquiring HIV.
In his presentation, the State AIDS Programme Coordinator, Mr Clement Ogodo gave an overview of Lenacapavir and disclosed that the 8 facilities where it is available include AE-FUTHA, OSS Abakaliki, General Hospital Ezzangbo, General Hospital Onueke, EBSU Comm. Hospital, Police Command, Romec Afikpo and Mile 4 hospital, Abakaliki.
Mr. Ogodo promised to create the necessary awareness of the existence of Lenacapavir and encouraged Ebonyi residents to access it at designated health facilities across the state.
