By Azeez Sulaiman
The Federal Government has announced that Nigeria will receive consignments of Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention drug, in March 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen national HIV prevention and accelerate epidemic control.
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) disclosed this in a statement on Monday, noting that preparations are at an advanced stage for the introduction and phased rollout of the injectable medication as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Lenacapavir is administered twice yearly, offering an alternative to daily oral prevention drugs. Clinical trials indicate that the medication significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection and provides near-complete protection when properly administered.
“The Government of Nigeria is advancing preparations for the introduction and rollout of Lenacapavir as pre-exposure prophylaxis. Commodities are expected in the country in March 2026,” NACA stated. The agency added that regulatory approval has been secured from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and readiness assessments have been completed in ten priority states: Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, FCT, Gombe, Kano, Kwara, and Lagos.
Healthcare personnel in the selected states have undergone training, and information materials have been developed to support awareness and demand generation ahead of the rollout. The introduction of Lenacapavir comes as Nigeria continues to face a significant HIV burden. Data from UNAIDS indicate that by the end of 2023, approximately two million people were living with HIV in Nigeria, including 59% women aged 15 and above, 33% men aged 15 and above, and 9% children aged 0–14 years.
Nigeria also recorded progress toward the UNAIDS 95–95–95 treatment targets in 2023, achieving 85–98–96: 85% of people living with HIV knew their status, over 98% of those diagnosed were on treatment, and 96% of those on treatment had achieved viral suppression. Public health experts note that expanding access to long-acting prevention options such as Lenacapavir could help reduce new infections, particularly among women and other vulnerable groups who remain disproportionately affected.
Health authorities say the planned rollout represents a strategic step toward reducing HIV transmission and consolidating recent gains in treatment coverage across the country.