Nigeria Expands HIV Prevention Training as Long-Acting PrEP Options Grow
[ Back to News Page ] Dated: 07-Oct-2026Published: 7 October 2026 | International HIV news
Nigeria is expanding health-worker training to improve access to HIV prevention services, according to a World Health Organization report published on 17 September 2026.
In May 2026, a national six-day training programme brought together 80 health workers from 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Participants learned to counsel clients, assess suitability for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), explain prevention choices and support continued use. The trainers are expected to share these skills with frontline providers in their own states.
More prevention choices need trained providers
PrEP is medicine used by people without HIV to reduce their risk of acquiring it. WHO says Nigeria is preparing providers for oral PrEP and longer-acting options, subject to national guidance, approval and implementation plans. The government-led training received WHO technical support and funding from the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation.
The wider context is WHO’s recommendation of twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir as an additional PrEP choice in July 2025. Expanding choice also requires HIV testing, counselling and reliable follow-up services.
Watch: WHO explains long-acting PrEP
This WHO webinar, recorded on 28 August 2025, explains its lenacapavir recommendations, supporting evidence and implementation considerations. It provides background on the prevention options discussed in the news report.
Watch the WHO webinar on YouTube
For readers in Malaysia
This report concerns Nigeria. It does not establish the approval or availability of injectable lenacapavir in Malaysia. Ask a qualified healthcare provider about prevention options and HIV testing appropriate to your circumstances.
