By Chukwuma Muanya

The Director General of National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, has debunked reported miracle/prayer cure for Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Ilori, on Thursday, in Lagos, during a media and partners rollout of a new innovation in HIV/AIDS prevention, said miracles concerning HIV are false.

Lenacapavir is the latest Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) method adopted by Nigeria. Others are: Daily Oral PrEP and two monthly injectable Cabotegravir (CAB-LA).

The two-day media and partners rollout meeting to increase uptake of Lenacapavir was organised by NACA and World Health Organisation (WHO).

She explained prayer cure for HIV: “People with HIV who are on treatment and taking their drugs religiously with regular check ups can have almost zero virus in their blood. By the time you go for six months check up, the virus will be almost undetectable that they cannot infect their partners. That is U equals to U. Undetected equals to untransmited.

They believe this is a miracle cure because of prayers. But that is not a cure. Miracles concerning HIV are false. I am a Christian and I believe in prayers. What happens is that if you do HIV test after adhering religious to treatment for six months and more, the virus will be undetectable.

“Capital no. There is no cure for HIV. Bone marrow or stem cell cure success is for sickle cell but not cure for HIV. There are vaccines but not yet cure. All the cure claims are not tested and not proven.”

Ilori said it has not been documented scientifically that someone was cured of HIV.

Ilori said the media has a critical role to play in spreading the right information and the meeting provides unprecedented opportunity to reach especially the young population on how to use PrEP. “There is a lot of misinformation out there. We want to reduce fear and stigmatisation. We want people to access services like testing, treatment etc. How to continue treatment even when you are not in your location. More importantly to inform people on more innovative ways to prevent HIV, including use of condoms, abstinence and being faithful to one partner,” she said.

Ilori said 98 percent of Nigerians are HIV negative and the country has to continue working hard in driving down the figures by preventing new infections. She, however, said less than 30 per cent of young population have right information on how to prevent HIV. “The young people are most vulnerable,” the NACA DG said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare had earlier this year launched Lenacapavir, the latest PrEP intervention with support from WHO, the Global Fund, United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and partners.

Ilori said the rollout aligns with national priorities set out in the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the National HIV/AIDS Strategic Framework 2023–2027, which call for expanded access to effective prevention tools, reduced inequalities and stronger integration of HIV services within primary health care.

She said Nigeria has approximately an estimated two million people living with HIV, and young women and key populations continue to carry a significant share of the burden. She said many people who could benefit from PrEP report challenges with daily oral medication, including adherence, stigma and access.

Ilori said Lenacapavir provides an alternative. It is taken as a single injection every six months. Findings from the Purpose 1 and Purpose 2 studies, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed high levels of protection for people at substantial risk of HIV.

According to her, this offers a new option for those who prefer less frequent dosing or face barriers to daily pills.

Ilori said Lenacapavir is also part of the national strategies to reduce new infections. “We want to reduce new infections in Nigeria and PrEP is part of it and there are different strategies that are applied to ir. PrEP is for everyone at risk and anyone can be at risk,” she said.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, had said the intervention reflects Nigeria’s commitment to applying innovation to reduce new HIV infections and strengthen domestic ownership of health programmes.

According to the WHO, Nigeria government had increased national health financing, including a budget allocation of US$ 346 million in 2026 to support priority areas such as HIV prevention, laboratories and improvements in primary health care.

For many people, the new option represents a practical solution. Chairperson of the Nigeria Key Populations Health and Rights Network (NKPHRN), Josephine Aseme, who previously used daily oral PrEP, described her experience: “Lenacapavir is harmless. I have used oral PrEP for three years before switching to Lenacapavir. Unlike some unverified reports, it does not prevent women from getting pregnant. I still use condom because I want to keep myself free from other sexually transmitted infections.

“Taking a pill every day was not easy for me. I sometimes forgot and worried about my risk. Knowing that I can use an injection every six months makes me feel more protected and less stressed. I am taking it for every young person who uses drugs, and every member of our community who deserves protection without fear or barriers.”

Health workers also recognise the potential benefits. HIV Prevention Coordinator for AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Aruk Ene, said: “I had taken PreEP. The side effect was that I was eating too much that I added eight kilogrammes. I had pricked myself when taken blood samples to test a patient for HIV who later tested positive. It was an occupational hazard. I had to take the drugs for a long period, which was cumbersome. But I had to continue with the drugs because I didn’t want to get HIV.”

The Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Coordinator in Maitama District Hospital in the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Babatunde Abegunde, noted that longer‑acting options may help reduce stigma.

“This is a game‑changer in the fight against HIV. Some clients do not want to be seen collecting PrEP monthly. An injection given in a private room every few months will now make a big difference,” he said.

According to the WHO, Nigeria’s preparedness for the rollout follows several years of coordinated work. With WHO technical support, more than 70 health facilities across 10 states were assessed to determine their readiness for PrEP delivery. These assessments helped identify needs in training, supply management, counselling and monitoring.

The first phase of implementation will begin in eight states: Benue, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Ebonyi, Gombe, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory and Cross River. Nigeria is one of nine early adopters globally and is expected to receive around 180,000 doses by 2028.

WHO Representative at the media/partners rollout event, Dr. Oluwafunke Odunlade, said the organisation continues to provide guidance for the safe and equitable introduction of new PrEP options, including support for policy adaptation, health worker training and service integration.

She said the introduction of lenacapavir is expected to contribute to: increased PrEP coverage among populations at substantial risk; improved adherence due to less frequent dosing; reduced inequalities in access; and strengthened integration of HIV prevention into primary health care.

Odunlade said projections on expected reductions in new infections will be added once national modelling results are available.

Nigeria’s partners note that the launch demonstrates strong collaboration among government, donors and technical agencies. The Global Fund and PEPFAR continue to support procurement, service delivery and community engagement. Civil society organizations are working to raise awareness and support demand creation, particularly among young people.

She said as the rollout continues, Nigeria plans to expand availability gradually, ensuring that services remain safe, person‑centred and accessible. Continued investment in communities, health worker training and public education will be essential.

Odunlade said WHO will continue working with national authorities and partners to guide implementation, monitor safety and support evidence‑based decision‑making.

According to WHO, Nigeria’s introduction of long‑acting PrEP shows the value of leadership, data and strong partnerships. Sustained commitment from all sectors will help ensure that people who stand to benefit most are reached, informed and empowered to take decisions that protect their health.