The Federal Government has announced that consignments of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting drug for HIV prevention, are expected to arrive in Nigeria in March 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s HIV response.
In a statement issued on Monday, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) disclosed that it is intensifying preparations for the introduction and nationwide rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN) as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
According to the agency, the move underscores the Government of Nigeria’s commitment to accelerating progress toward HIV epidemic control and expanding access to innovative prevention options.
Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable PrEP administered just twice a year. Clinical trials have shown that the drug significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection, offering near-total protection when taken as prescribed.
“The Government of Nigeria (GON) is advancing preparations for the introduction and rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN) as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). This is part of Government’s commitment to strengthen HIV prevention and accelerate progress toward epidemic control,” the statement read.
NACA stated that coordinated efforts are ongoing to ensure a structured and quality-assured rollout of the drug, particularly in priority states. The phased introduction plan, the agency said, is being supported by regulatory approval, system readiness, trained health personnel, and community engagement strategies.
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Among key milestones already achieved is regulatory clearance granted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), clearing the way for implementation.
The agency also revealed that landscape and readiness assessments have been completed in 10 states — Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Gombe, Kano, Kwara, and Lagos — to evaluate service delivery capacity and identify operational gaps.
As part of capacity-building efforts, NACA conducted a national training of trainers programme in Abuja, followed by step-down training sessions for healthcare workers in the selected states earmarked for the initial rollout.
Additionally, information, education and communication (IEC) materials have been developed to support awareness creation and stimulate demand ahead of the introduction of the new prevention option.
Health authorities say the introduction of Lenacapavir is expected to significantly expand HIV prevention choices in Nigeria, particularly for populations at higher risk, and move the country closer to achieving epidemic control targets.