The Federal Government has announced that consignments of Lenacapavir, a newly approved long-acting drug for HIV prevention, are expected to arrive in Nigeria in March 2026.
The disclosure was made on Monday by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), which said preparations are in advanced stages for the introduction and nationwide rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN) as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
According to the agency, the move forms part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen HIV prevention efforts and accelerate progress toward achieving HIV epidemic control in the country.
“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, adding that the commodities are expected in the country in March 2026.
Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable PrEP option administered just twice a year. In clinical trials, the drug was shown to significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection, offering near-total protection among study participants.
NACA further stated that coordinated efforts are underway to ensure a structured and quality-assured rollout of the new prevention option, particularly in priority states with higher HIV burden.
The agency emphasized that the introduction of Lenacapavir represents a major milestone in Nigeria’s HIV response, expanding prevention choices and improving access to innovative interventions aimed at curbing new infections.
Credit: TheCable
