Bishop Murray Medical Centre in Makurdi, Benue State, has taken delivery of a consignment of Lenacapavir injection, a long-acting HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) administered once every six months, intended strictly for individuals who are HIV-negative and at substantial risk of contracting HIV.
The Health Coordinator of the facility, Rev. Fr. Peter Paleve, received the drugs with gratitude and expressed profound appreciation to the Federal Government for the donation. Fr. Paleve described the arrival of Lenacapavir as a relief for many, noting that the six-monthly injection will address challenges of adherence associated with daily oral PrEP regimens.
He stated that a long-acting option will encourage more people to stay protected. Despite taking delivery of the drug, the management of Bishop Murray Medical Centre confirmed that the Federal Government has directed the facility to wait for further directives before commencing administration of Lenacapavir to clients.
Fr. Paleve assured the public that the Centre will comply fully with all protocols from the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA). “We have received the drugs, but we will not begin usage until we are officially authorized. We urge members of the public who may be eligible to remain patient while we await the go-ahead,” he said. The facility emphasised that Lenacapavir PrEP is for prevention only, does not treat HIV, and must not be used by persons who are HIV-positive.
Bishop Murray Medical Centre, a faith-based hospital under the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, has been a key provider of HIV testing, counselling, and prevention services in Benue State. The facility said it will sensitise the public and begin enrolment as soon as the Federal Government issues approval for rollout.
