Groundbreaking Twice-Yearly HIV Prevention Drug Lenacapavir to Arrive in Nigeria This March

The federal government has announced that consignments of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting HIV prevention drug, are expected to arrive in Nigeria in March 2026.

In a statement, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) said it is advancing preparations for the introduction and rollout of Lenacapavir as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

The injectable drug, taken only twice a year, has shown near-total protection against HIV in clinical trials. NACA disclosed that regulatory approval has been secured from NAFDAC, and landscape assessments have been completed in 10 priority states.

A national training of trainers has been conducted, with step-down training for healthcare workers underway in selected states. Information and education materials have also been developed to support awareness and demand generation ahead of the rollout.

Key Points:

The twice-yearly injection represents a revolutionary advance in HIV prevention, offering an alternative to daily pills.
Near-total efficacy in trials positions Lenacapavir as a potential game-changer in Nigeria’s HIV epidemic control efforts.
Phased rollout in 10 priority states suggests a strategic, evidence-based implementation approach.
The completion of healthcare worker training indicates preparedness for quality-assured delivery.
The arrival in March sets an ambitious timeline for introducing this cutting-edge prevention technology.

Nigeria’s imminent introduction of Lenacapavir marks a significant milestone in HIV prevention, offering a highly effective, long-acting option that could dramatically accelerate progress toward epidemic control.

Sources: NACA Statement