The federal government claims consignments of Lenacapavir, a new HIV preventive medicine, would arrive in Nigeria in March 2026.
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) said on Monday that it is preparing to introduce and roll out Lenacapavir (LEN) as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
It stated that the action was part of its resolve to speed efforts toward HIV pandemic containment.
Lenacapavir is a long-acting HIV-prevention medication. It is an injectable PrEP alternative that must be taken only twice yearly.
In clinical studies, Lenacapavir was found to greatly reduce the risk of infection and give nearly complete protection against HIV.
“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, concerted efforts are being made to ensure a “structured and quality-assured rollout” of the new preventative option in priority states.
According to the FDA, Nigeria is on schedule for a gradual introduction of LEN PrEP, which will be supported by regulatory approval, system preparation, training, and community involvement measures.
It said that regulatory approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is one of the milestones already reached.
It also revealed that landscape and readiness assessments had been conducted in ten states, including Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, FCT, Gombe, Kano, Kwara, and Lagos, to assess service delivery capability and identify implementation gaps.
NACA also stated that it had a national trainer training session in Abuja, followed by step-down training for healthcare personnel in the states chosen for implementation.
In addition, information, education, and communication (IEC) materials have been created to help raise awareness and generate demand prior to the launch.
