The Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with ECEWS and other key stakeholders, officially flagged off the implementation of Long-Acting Injectable Lenacapavir (LEN-PrEP) at the PHC Operational Base, Uyo on 15^th of June 2026, marking a significant milestone in the State’s HIV prevention response. As one of only eight states selected nationwide to pilot the innovative intervention, Akwa Ibom has expanded its HIV prevention toolkit with a solution that provides sustained protection through just two injections per year. The launch, led by the Deputy Governor of the state, Her Excellency Senator Akon Eyakenyi, demonstrated the Government’s commitment to adopting evidence-based approaches to reduce new HIV infections while strengthening partnerships with implementing agencies and development partners to improve access to prevention services. 

Speaking at the Launch, Her Excellency Senator Akon Eyakenyi stressed the need to extend HIV education and prevention messaging beyond health facilities into communities, schools, and hard-to-reach populations, ensuring that accurate information reaches those most in need and contributes to informed health-seeking behavior. The Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, framed LEN PrEP as a major advancement in the evolution of HIV prevention tools. According to him, while science has continued to expand prevention options, adherence has remained a critical gap limiting impact. He noted that long-acting injectable PrEP directly addresses this challenge and strengthens the State’s prevention architecture. He also called attention to the continued need for stigma reduction, emphasizing that eliminating discrimination remains essential to improving access to prevention and care services across communities.

 The ACE-5 State Director, Dr. Bala Gana, while speaking at the launch, reaffirmed ECEWS’ commitment to supporting the successful implementation of LEN-PrEP through technical assistance, workforce capacity strengthening, and coordinated collaboration with government and partner organizations. Stakeholders emphasized that while the intervention represents a major advancement in HIV prevention, its success will depend on sustained awareness creation, community engagement, and demand generation. 

The flag-off further strengthened collaboration between government, ECEWS, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders, reinforcing a shared commitment to improving public health outcomes across the State. Discussions highlighted the importance of addressing stigma, expanding prevention choices, and integrating biomedical innovations with robust community education efforts. The event underscored the critical role of partnerships in driving healthcare messages to rural communities and young people, while positioning community awareness, stakeholder engagement, and equitable access to services as essential pillars for achieving sustainable HIV prevention outcomes in Akwa Ibom State.