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By Goli Innocent
The federal government has announced that consignments of Lenacapavir, a new long-acting HIV prevention drug, are expected to arrive in Nigeria in March 2026. The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) said preparations are underway for its introduction as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option.
Lenacapavir is administered as an injection twice a year and has been shown in clinical trials to significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection, offering near-complete protection. The rollout forms part of Nigeria’s commitment to accelerate progress towards controlling the HIV epidemic.
According to NACA, the phased introduction will prioritise ten states: Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, FCT, Gombe, Kano, Kwara, and Lagos. These states underwent readiness assessments to evaluate service delivery capacity and identify implementation needs.
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The agency has also conducted national and state-level training for healthcare workers, ensuring that personnel are equipped to administer Lenacapavir safely. Information, education, and communication materials have been developed to generate awareness and demand ahead of the rollout.
Regulatory approval has been secured from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), clearing the way for a structured, quality-assured introduction of the drug. NACA emphasised that the programme will combine regulatory compliance, trained personnel, and community engagement strategies.
Officials said the initiative represents a major step forward in HIV prevention, providing a convenient, long-acting option that could transform the country’s epidemic control efforts. The government urged stakeholders to support the rollout and ensure broad access to the new prevention tool.
With the arrival of Lenacapavir, Nigeria is poised to strengthen its HIV prevention strategy, offering citizens a modern, effective option that could significantly reduce new infections over the coming years.
