The federal government has said that consignments of Lenacapavir, a new drug for HIV prevention, are expected to arrive in Nigeria in March 2026.
In a statement on Monday, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) said it is advancing preparations for the introduction and rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN) as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
“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 the government’s commitment to strengthen HIV prevention and accelerate progress toward epidemic control,” the statement read.
“Commodities are expected in the country in March 2026.”
NACA described Lenacapavir as a long-acting HIV prevention drug and an injectable PrEP option administered twice a year. According to the agency, clinical trials have shown the drug significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection and offers almost total protection.
The agency added that coordinated efforts are underway to ensure a “structured and quality-assured rollout” of the new prevention option in priority states.
“Nigeria is on track for a phased introduction of LEN PrEP, backed by regulatory approval, system preparedness, trained personnel, and community engagement strategies,” NACA said.
Among the milestones already achieved is regulatory approval by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The agency also disclosed that landscape and readiness assessments have 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 added that it conducted a national training of trainers in Abuja, followed by step-down training for healthcare workers in the selected states.
In addition, information, education, and communication (IEC) materials have been developed to support awareness creation and demand generation ahead of the rollout.
