Nigeria Set to Receive Breakthrough HIV Prevention Drug

The Federal Government has announced that shipments of Lenacapavir, a cutting-edge injectable medication for HIV prevention, are scheduled to arrive in Nigeria this month, March 2026.

According to a statement released on Monday by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the country is finalizing preparations to introduce the drug as a long-acting Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) option.

Unlike traditional daily pills, Lenacapavir requires only two injections per year and has demonstrated near-total efficacy in protecting against HIV during clinical trials.

NACA emphasized that this initiative is a critical component of the government’s strategy to curb the epidemic and strengthen national prevention efforts.

To ensure a smooth rollout, readiness assessments have already been conducted across 10 priority regions, including Lagos, Kano, and the FCT.

The agency has also completed specialized training for healthcare providers and developed educational materials to raise public awareness. This phased introduction aims to provide a structured, quality-assured delivery of the groundbreaking treatment to those most in need.