Nigeria is set to receive its first shipment of Lenacapavir (LEN), a twice-yearly injectable drug for HIV prevention, by March 2026, according to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA). In a statement issued on Monday, NACA said the federal government was finalising preparations for the introduction and rollout of the injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) option as part of efforts to strengthen HIV prevention and accelerate progress toward epidemic control.
The agency explained that The agency explained that Lenacapavir, which is administered only twice a year, is expected to offer a more convenient and effective prevention alternative for individuals at high risk of HIV infection.
NACA noted that Nigeria is preparing for a phased introduction of LEN PrEP across priority states, supported by regulatory approval, system readiness, trained personnel and community engagement strategies.
As part of the preparations, the federal government has completed key rollout requirements, including landscape and readiness assessments in 10 states: Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, the Federal Capital Territory, Gombe, Kano, Kwara and Lagos.
The agency added that Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials have also been developed to support public awareness and ensure a smooth implementation of the programme.
