The Federal Government has announced that consignments of Lenacapavir, a new long-acting drug for HIV prevention, are expected to arrive in Nigeria in March 2026.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday, March 2, by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA).
According to the agency, Nigeria is advancing preparations for the introduction and rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN) as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), as part of efforts to strengthen HIV prevention and accelerate progress toward epidemic control.
Lenacapavir is an injectable PrEP option administered only twice a year. Clinical trials have shown that the drug significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection and offers near-total protection against the virus.
“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.
“Commodities are expected in country in March 2026.”
NACA said coordinated efforts are underway to ensure a structured and quality-assured rollout of the new prevention option in priority states. The agency confirmed that Nigeria is on track for a phased introduction of LEN PrEP, supported by regulatory approvals, 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, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Gombe, Kano, Kwara, and Lagos — to evaluate service delivery capacity and identify implementation needs.
The agency also disclosed that it conducted a national training of trainers in Abuja, followed by step-down training for healthcare workers in selected implementation states.
In addition, information, education, and communication (IEC) materials have been developed to drive awareness ahead of the rollout.
