Nigeria set to embrace injectable HIV PrEP

The federal government says consignments of lenacapavir, a new drug for HIV prevention, are expected to arrive in Nigeria in March 2026.

In a statement on Monday, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, NACA, said it is advancing preparations for the introduction and rollout of Lenacapavir, LEN, as pre-exposure prophylaxis, PrEP.

It said the move was part of its commitment to accelerate progress towards HIV epidemic control.

Lenacapavir is a long-acting HIV prevention drug. It is an injectable PrEP option taken only twice a year.

In clinical trials, Lenacapavir was found to significantly reduce the risk of infection and provide almost total protection against HIV.

“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 statement reads.

“Commodities are expected in the country in March 2026.”

Also Read: AHF warns of rising HIV infections among young females

According to NACA, coordinated efforts are underway to ensure a “structured and quality-assured rollout” of the new prevention option in priority states.

The agency said Nigeria is on track for a phased introduction of LEN PrEP, backed by regulatory approval, system preparedness, trained personnel and community engagement strategies.

It said among the milestones already achieved is regulatory approval by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC.

It also disclosed that landscape and readiness assessments have been completed in 10 states: Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, FCT, Gombe, Kano, Kwara and Lagos to evaluate service delivery capacity and identify implementation needs.

NACA also said it has conducted a national training of trainers in Abuja, followed by step-down training for healthcare workers in the states selected for implementation.

In addition, information, education, and communication materials have been developed to support awareness creation and demand generation ahead of the rollout.

Lenacapavir is a groundbreaking long-acting injectable for HIV prevention, developed by Gilead Sciences. It is the first twice-yearly option: a subcutaneous injection every 6 months with initial oral doses, far more convenient than daily pills. As a capsid inhibitor, it blocks HIV-1 replication by disrupting the virus’s protective shell. Phase 3 trials showed exceptional efficacy, with over 99.9% of participants staying HIV-negative in key groups, with up to 96% risk reduction versus background rates or daily oral PrEP.

FDA-approved in June 2025 for at-risk adults and adolescents, it is now rolling out globally in countries like Kenya and Zimbabwe and is expected in Nigeria by March 2026 via PEPFAR/Global Fund. Affordable generics are planned for low- and middle-income countries around 2027 (~$40/person/year). Hailed as a potential game-changer for adherence and HIV epidemic control, though equitable access and monitoring for rare breakthroughs remain critical.

The Cable