BISHOP MURRAY MEDICAL CENTRE RECEIVES LONG-ACTING HIV PREVENTION INJECTION, AWAITS FG APPROVAL FOR ADMINISTRATION

MAKURDI, BENUE STATE — By Prime Brief Media

Bishop Murray Medical Centre, a leading faith-based health facility in Makurdi, has taken delivery of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable medication approved for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. The hospital confirmed the arrival of the drug on Monday but stated it is awaiting formal directives from the Federal Ministry of Health and relevant regulatory agencies before commencing administration to eligible patients.

A senior management official at the hospital, who spoke to Benue Info-pedia on condition of anonymity pending an official press release, described the delivery as a milestone in the facility's commitment to expanding HIV prevention options for the people of Benue State.

"We have received the medication, and we are ready. However, we must follow due process and await the necessary approval and guidelines from the Federal Government before we begin administering it to patients. This is a major step forward, and we are optimistic about the impact it will have," the official said.

Lenacapavir represents a significant advancement in HIV prevention technology. Unlike daily oral PrEP medications such as tenofovir/emtricitabine, which require strict daily adherence, Lenacapavir is administered as a subcutaneous injection just once every six months. Clinical trials have demonstrated that the long-acting injectable is highly effective at preventing HIV acquisition, offering a discreet and convenient alternative for individuals who face challenges with daily pill adherence.

Benue State has consistently recorded one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in Nigeria. According to the most recent data from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Benue maintains a prevalence rate significantly above the national average, driven by a combination of factors including limited access to prevention services in rural communities, stigma, and gaps in awareness.

The arrival of Lenacapavir at Bishop Murray Medical Centre positions the facility as a potential early access point for this next-generation prevention tool in the North Central region. However, the hospital's decision to await federal approval before proceeding underscores the regulatory caution required when introducing new pharmaceutical technologies.

A public health expert at the Benue State University College of Health Sciences welcomed the development but stressed the importance of proper regulatory oversight. "Lenacapavir is a game-changer, no doubt. But we must ensure that protocols are in place—training for healthcare workers, proper patient education, monitoring for adverse events, and integration with existing HIV prevention programmes. The Federal Government's approval process is there to ensure all these are in place before rollout," the expert said.

The Federal Ministry of Health has not issued a public statement on the specific timeline for approving Lenacapavir for use in Nigerian health facilities. However, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, which is responsible for the regulation and control of medicines in Nigeria, is expected to provide the necessary regulatory framework.

Bishop Murray Medical Centre, established by the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, has a long history of providing affordable healthcare services to the people of Benue State and beyond. The hospital offers a range of services including HIV testing, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, and antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV.