The Federal Government says consignments of Lenacapavir, a breakthrough long-acting HIV prevention drug, are expected 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 rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN) as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), part of efforts to accelerate progress toward HIV epidemic control.

Lenacapavir is an injectable PrEP option administered just twice a year. Clinical trials have shown it significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection, offering near-total protection.

NACA stated that coordinated measures are underway to ensure a structured and quality-assured rollout in priority states once the drug arrives.

“Commodities are expected in country in March 2026,” the agency said, noting that the phased introduction is backed by regulatory approvals, system readiness, trained healthcare personnel and community engagement strategies.

Among key milestones already achieved is regulatory clearance from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The agency also completed readiness and landscape assessments in 10 states — Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Gombe, Kano, Kwara and Lagos — to evaluate service delivery capacity and identify implementation gaps.

Additionally, NACA conducted a national training of trainers in Abuja, followed by step-down training sessions for healthcare workers in selected states. Information, education and communication (IEC) materials have also been developed to support awareness and demand generation ahead of the rollout.

The government says the introduction of Lenacapavir marks a major step in strengthening Nigeria’s HIV prevention strategy.