March 02, (THEWILL) — The Federal Government has announced that Nigeria will receive consignments of Lenacapavir, a breakthrough long-acting HIV prevention injection, in March 2026, in a move expected to significantly strengthen the country’s fight against new infections.
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) disclosed that preparations are in advanced stages for the introduction of the drug as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option.
Lenacapavir is administered as an injection twice yearly and has demonstrated near-complete protection against HIV infection in clinical trials, offering a more convenient alternative to daily oral PrEP.
According to NACA, the rollout will be implemented in phases, beginning with ten priority states — Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Gombe, Kano, Kwara, and Lagos.
The selected states underwent readiness assessments to evaluate health facility capacity, workforce preparedness, and service delivery systems ahead of the launch.
The agency stated that national and state-level trainings have been conducted for healthcare workers to ensure the safe administration of the injection.
Information, education, and communication materials have also been developed to raise awareness and generate demand before its arrival.
Regulatory approval has been secured from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), clearing the way for a structured and quality-assured introduction of the drug into Nigeria’s healthcare system.
NACA emphasised that the programme will integrate strict regulatory compliance, trained personnel, and community engagement strategies to maximise impact.
Officials described the initiative as a major advancement in HIV prevention, noting that the twice-yearly injection could improve adherence rates and expand coverage, particularly among individuals who face challenges with daily medication.
The government called on state governments, development partners, and civil society organisations to support the rollout to ensure equitable access and sustained uptake.
With the anticipated arrival of Lenacapavir in March, Nigeria is poised to reinforce its HIV prevention strategy, offering citizens a modern, effective, and long-acting option that could significantly reduce new infections and accelerate progress toward epidemic control.
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