Lenacapavir HIV Prevention Drug To Arrive Nigeria As Government Confirms Rollout Plan
The HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir, is set to arrive in Nigeria as the Federal Government moves to strengthen efforts at curbing new HIV infections across the country.
The announcement was made on Monday by the Head of Public Relations at the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Toyin Aderibigbe, who confirmed that Nigeria will soon take delivery of Lenacapavir.
According to the agency, regulatory approval has already been secured from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), paving the way for the official introduction and rollout of Lenacapavir as pre-exposure prophylaxis.
NACA stated that preparations are ongoing for the structured deployment of the HIV prevention drug as part of the government’s broader strategy to accelerate progress toward HIV epidemic control.
The lenacapavir drug is described as a long-acting injectable option that is taken only twice a year, offering a convenient alternative to daily preventive medication.
Clinical trials have shown that the Lenacapavir HIV prevention drug significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection and demonstrated nearly total protection in study participants.
“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 the government’s commitment to strengthen HIV prevention and accelerate progress toward epidemic control,” the statement reads.
Commodities of the HIV prevention drug are expected to arrive in the country in March 2026, according to the agency.
NACA further explained that coordinated efforts are underway to ensure a structured and quality-assured rollout of the Lenacapavir, especially in priority states with higher HIV burdens.
The agency added that Nigeria is on track for a phased introduction of the HIV prevention drug, backed by regulatory approval, system readiness, trained health personnel, and community engagement strategies.
Among the key milestones already achieved is regulatory clearance by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, strengthening confidence in the safety and effectiveness of the lenacapavir.
According to The Lancet, Nigeria has a generalized HIV epidemic with a national prevalence of about 2.1 percent among adults aged 15 to 49, and over 2 million people living with HIV as of 2023.
The South-South zone records the highest prevalence at 3.1 percent, followed by the North Central zone at 2.0 percent, with Benue, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom states carrying the heaviest burden.
Health stakeholders believe that the introduction of lenacapavir could significantly improve prevention efforts and reduce new infections, particularly in high-risk and vulnerable populations.
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