FG to Receive Breakthrough HIV Prevention Drug Lenacapavir, Rollout Set for March 2026

The Federal Government has announced plans to take delivery of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking HIV prevention drug that demonstrated near-total effectiveness in preventing HIV infection during clinical trials.

The development was disclosed on Monday by Toyin Aderibigbe, Head of Public Relations at the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA). According to the agency, Nigeria has secured regulatory approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and is advancing preparations for the introduction and nationwide rollout of Lenacapavir as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

NACA said the move forms part of the government’s broader commitment to strengthen HIV prevention strategies and accelerate progress toward ending the epidemic in the country. Commodities of the drug are expected to arrive in Nigeria in March 2026.

Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable PrEP option administered only twice a year, offering a more convenient alternative to daily oral prevention pills. In clinical trials, the drug was found to significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection, providing almost complete protection against the virus.

“The Government of Nigeria 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 read.

The agency added that coordinated efforts are underway to ensure a structured and quality-assured rollout of the new prevention option, particularly in priority states. Nigeria is said to be on track for a phased introduction of Lenacapavir PrEP, supported by regulatory clearance, health system readiness, trained personnel, and community engagement strategies.

Among the key milestones already achieved is the regulatory approval granted by NAFDAC, paving the way for the drug’s legal distribution and use in the country.

According to findings published by The Lancet, Nigeria has a generalised HIV epidemic, with a national prevalence of approximately 2.1 per cent among adults aged 15 to 49. As of 2023, over two million people were living with HIV nationwide.

The prevalence rate is highest in the South-South zone at 3.1 per cent and North Central zone at 2.0 per cent, with Benue, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states bearing the heaviest burden.