Nigeria is set to receive Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking HIV prevention drug, in March 2026.
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) is preparing for the rollout of Lenacapavir as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which has shown 100% effectiveness in preventing HIV infection in clinical trials.
This injectable treatment is administered twice a year, making it a more convenient alternative to daily oral prevention drugs.
In a statement on Monday, NACA said the move was part of its commitment to accelerate progress towards HIV epidemic control.
“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 reads.
“Commodities are expected in country in March 2026.”
According to NACA, coordinated efforts are underway to ensure a “structured and quality-assured rollout” of the new prevention option in priority states.
The agency said Nigeria is on track for a phased introduction of LEN PrEP, backed by regulatory approval, system preparedness, trained personnel and community engagement strategies.
It said among the milestones already achieved is regulatory approval by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
It 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 also said it has conducted a national training of trainers in Abuja, followed by step-down training for healthcare workers in the states selected for implementation.
In addition, information, education and communication (IEC) materials have been developed to support awareness creation and demand generation ahead of the rollout.
