The federal government has announced that shipments of Lenacapavir, a newly approved drug for HIV prevention, are scheduled to arrive in Nigeria in March 2026.
In a statement issued on Monday, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) said preparations are in advanced stages for the introduction and distribution of Lenacapavir (LEN) as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
The agency explained that the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to fast-track progress towards controlling the HIV epidemic.
Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable medication for HIV prevention, administered just twice annually. Clinical trials have shown that it significantly lowers the risk of infection and offers near-total 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, collaborative measures are ongoing to guarantee a structured and quality-assured rollout of the new prevention option in selected priority states.
The agency noted that Nigeria is preparing for a phased deployment of LEN PrEP, supported by regulatory clearance, system readiness, trained personnel and community engagement plans.
Among the key milestones achieved is regulatory approval by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
NACA also revealed that readiness assessments have been concluded in 10 states — Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, FCT, Gombe, Kano, Kwara and Lagos — to evaluate service delivery capacity and determine implementation requirements.
It added that a national training-of-trainers programme was conducted in Abuja, followed by step-down training sessions for healthcare workers in the selected states.
Additionally, information, education and communication materials have been developed to support awareness campaigns and boost demand ahead of the rollout.