FG: HIV prevention drug to arrive in March

The Federal Government has announced that consignments of Lenacapavir, a newly approved drug for HIV prevention, are expected to arrive in Nigeria in March 2026.

In a statement issued on Monday, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) said preparations are in advanced stages for the introduction and phased rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN) as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

According to the agency, Nigeria is on course for the gradual deployment of LEN PrEP, supported by regulatory approval, system readiness, trained health personnel and community engagement strategies.

One of the key milestones achieved, NACA said, is regulatory clearance by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The agency added that landscape and readiness assessments have been completed in 10 states — Akwa Ibom State, Anambra State, Benue State, Cross River State, Ebonyi State, Federal Capital Territory, Gombe State, Kano State, Kwara State and Lagos State — to assess service delivery capacity and identify implementation gaps.

NACA further disclosed that it conducted a national training-of-trainers programme in Abuja, followed by step-down training sessions for healthcare workers in the selected states.

To support awareness and uptake, the agency has also developed information, education and communication materials ahead of the rollout.

The government said the phased introduction of Lenacapavir marks a significant step in strengthening Nigeria’s HIV prevention response.