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 disclosure was made by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) in a statement issued on Monday, March 2, noting that preparations are underway for the introduction and rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN) as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Lenacapavir is an injectable HIV prevention option administered twice a year. Clinical trials have shown that the drug significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection and provides near-total protection when properly administered.
“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.
According to NACA, coordinated efforts are ongoing to ensure a structured and quality-assured rollout in priority states. The agency said Nigeria is on track for a phased introduction of LEN PrEP, supported by regulatory approval, system preparedness, trained personnel, and community engagement strategies.
Landscape and readiness assessments have already been completed in 10 states — Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, FCT, Gombe, Kano, Kwara, and Lagos — to evaluate service delivery capacity and identify implementation needs.
NACA further disclosed that a national training-of-trainers programme was conducted in Abuja, followed by step-down training for healthcare workers in selected states. Information, education, and communication materials have also been developed to support public awareness ahead of the rollout.
The agency reiterated that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen HIV prevention and achieve epidemic control.
