By Jamilu Abubakar
The Gombe State Government, in collaboration with the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), CHAI and other development partners, has organised a stakeholders’ engagement meeting for the field testing of advocacy materials on LEN PrEP, a long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention.
The meeting focused on creating awareness and addressing misconceptions surrounding the use of LENACAPAVIR injection, popularly known as LEN PrEP.
Speaking during the engagement, the Programme Manager of AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STI Control Programme in Gombe State, Dr. Muhammad Sanusi, said the meeting was aimed at enlightening stakeholders on the use and benefits of the injection.
He explained that Information, Education and Communication materials such as posters and advocacy messages were being developed to ensure the public properly understands the programme and does not misconceive its purpose.
Dr. Sanusi described the injection as an important addition to HIV prevention strategies in the state, noting that it is specifically designed for HIV-negative individuals, especially those considered to be at high risk of infection.
Also speaking, a Community Mobilisation Officer with the Gombe State Agency for the Control of AIDS, GOMSACA, Dahiru Adamu, explained that LEN PrEP is another option in HIV prevention and can only be administered to individuals confirmed to be HIV-negative.
He stated that beneficiaries must undergo HIV testing before receiving the injection, which is administered twice yearly, once every six months.
Dahiru Adamu further assured that the injection is safe and effective, while dismissing misconceptions and fears associated with its use.
On her part, the Advocacy Lead of NEPWHAN in Gombe State, Fatima Muhammad, said the introduction of LEN PrEP would help reduce the burden of taking daily oral HIV prevention drugs.
She added that the injection would benefit people at high risk of contracting HIV, including discordant couples, adolescents, young people and members of key population groups.
Fatima Muhammad noted that LEN PrEP has proven to be highly effective compared to other HIV prevention methods and is currently available at selected health facilities across Gombe State.
One of the beneficiaries who received the injection said she was initially afraid because of concerns over possible side effects.
According to her, she only experienced mild symptoms for a few hours after taking the injection.
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