According to the federal government, shipments of the new HIV preventive medication lenacapavir are anticipated to reach Nigeria in March 2026. 

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) said in a statement on Monday that it is moving on with plans to launch and implement Lenacapavir (LEN) as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). 

It stated that the action was a component of its pledge to quicken the pace of HIV epidemic containment. One long-acting HIV prophylaxis medication is lenacapavir. 

Only twice a year is this injectable PrEP alternative used. Lenacapavir was proven to offer nearly complete protection against HIV and greatly lower the risk of infection in clinical trials.

“The Government of Nigeria (GON) is advancing preparations for the introduction and rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN) as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). This is part of Government’s commitment to strengthen HIV prevention and accelerate progress toward epidemic control,” the statement reads.

“Commodities are expected in country in March 2026.”

Coordinated efforts are being made to guarantee a "structured and quality-assured rollout" of the new preventative option in priority states, according to NACA. 

According to the agency, Nigeria is on schedule to implement LEN PrEP gradually, supported by system readiness, trained staff, community engagement tactics, and regulatory approval. 

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control's (NAFDAC) regulatory approval is one of the milestones that have already been reached, according to the statement. 

Additionally, it revealed that in order to assess service delivery capability and determine implementation needs, landscape and readiness assessments have been finished in ten states: Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, FCT, Gombe, Kano, Kwara, and Lagos.

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