The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has announced that Nigeria will receive Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention drug, in March 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen national HIV prevention strategies.
In a statement issued by NACA’s Head of Public Relations, Toyin Aderibigbe, the agency confirmed that regulatory approval has been secured from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), paving the way for the drug’s rollout in the country.
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Lenacapavir is an injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) administered twice yearly, offering a more convenient alternative to daily oral HIV prevention medications. Health authorities say the drug demonstrated high effectiveness in preventing HIV infection during clinical trials and is expected to expand access to preventive care, particularly among high-risk populations.
NACA stated that preparations for nationwide introduction are ongoing, including readiness assessments conducted across ten states — Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, the Federal Capital Territory, Gombe, Kano, Kwara, and Lagos.
The agency noted that Nigeria is among 120 low- and middle-income countries expected to access the medication at a subsidised cost through voluntary licensing agreements with generic manufacturers.
According to official data, approximately 1.9 million people in Nigeria are living with HIV, with a national prevalence of 1.3 percent among adults aged 15 to 49.
Authorities say the introduction of Lenacapavir is expected to accelerate progress toward reducing new infections and achieving epidemic control.
