The Federal Government has announced that consignments of Lenacapavir, a new long-acting HIV prevention drug, are expected to arrive in Nigeria in March 2026.

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) said preparations are underway for its introduction as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option.

Lenacapavir is administered as an injection twice a year and has been shown in clinical trials to significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection, offering near-complete protection. The rollout forms part of Nigeria's commitment to accelerate progress towards controlling the HIV epidemic.

According to NACA, the phased introduction will prioritise ten states: Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, FCT, Gombe, Kano, Kwara and Lagos. These states have undergone readiness assessments to evaluate service delivery capacity and identify implementation needs.

The agency has conducted national and state-level training for healthcare workers to ensure safe administration of the drug. Information, education and communication materials have also been developed to generate awareness and demand ahead of the rollout.

Regulatory approval has been secured from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), clearing the way for a structured, quality-assured introduction.

NACA emphasised that the programme will combine regulatory compliance, trained personnel and community engagement strategies to ensure effective implementation.

Officials described the initiative as a significant step forward in HIV prevention, providing a convenient, long-acting option that could strengthen the country's epidemic control efforts.

With the arrival of Lenacapavir, Nigeria is poised to enhance its HIV prevention strategy by offering a modern and effective option aimed at reducing new infections in the coming years.