The National Agency for the Control of AIDS says the newly introduced long-acting HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir, is not recommended for pregnant women.
Director-General Temitope Ilori made this known during a media briefing, stressing that the drug is a preventive measure and not a treatment for HIV.
She described the injection as a major innovation in HIV prevention but warned that it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, including hepatitis.
Also speaking, National Coordinator of the HIV programme, Adebobola Bashorun, said the federal government is working to expand access to the drug, noting that it will complement existing options like oral pre-exposure prophylaxis.
He added that reported side effects have been mild, mostly limited to pain at the injection site, with ongoing monitoring for any adverse reactions.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Salako, said the rollout is being supported by the Global Fund, with plans to explore local production in the future.
Health experts say the twice-yearly injection could improve prevention efforts in Nigeria, which has one of the highest HIV burdens globally, but stress that wider access and sustained funding will be key to its success.
