The Federal Government has announced plans to introduce Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug for the prevention of HIV, into Nigeria in March 2026, in a move health authorities say could significantly strengthen the country’s fight against new infections.
The development was disclosed by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, which confirmed that the breakthrough medication has secured regulatory approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
In a statement issued on Monday by its Head of Public Relations, Toyin Aderibigbe, NACA said the government was advancing preparations for the rollout of Lenacapavir as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, also known as PrEP.
Lenacapavir is administered as an injection twice a year, offering a more convenient alternative to daily oral HIV prevention drugs. Clinical trials showed the drug demonstrated 100 per cent effectiveness in preventing HIV infection among participants.
According to NACA, the medication will be made available in Nigeria and 119 other low- and middle-income countries at a subsidised cost of 40 dollars per person annually under voluntary licensing agreements with generic manufacturers.
“The Government of Nigeria is advancing preparations for the introduction and rollout of Lenacapavir as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.
This is part of the government’s commitment to strengthen HIV prevention and accelerate progress toward epidemic control,” the agency stated.
It added that readiness and landscape assessments had been completed in 10 states — Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, the Federal Capital Territory, Gombe, Kano, Kwara and Lagos — ahead of the nationwide introduction.
“The commodities are expected in the country in March 2026,” NACA said.
Nigeria bears one of the highest HIV burdens globally, with about 1.9 million people currently living with the virus.
National prevalence among adults aged 15 to 49 stands at 1.3 per cent.
Data cited by the agency showed that the country recorded 74,000 new HIV infections and 51,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2021.
The South-South geopolitical zone accounts for the highest prevalence rate at 3.1 per cent, while women aged 15 to 49 are more than twice as likely to be living with HIV compared to men in the same age bracket.
Public health experts say the introduction of a twice-yearly preventive injection could help improve adherence, reduce new infections and fast-track Nigeria’s drive towards achieving epidemic control targets.
