Nigeria prepares to roll out Lenacapavir as twice-yearly HIV prevention option
The Government of Nigeria is advancing preparations for the introduction of Lenacapavir (LEN) as a Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) option, it has emerged. The National Agency for the Control of AIDS
The Government of Nigeria is advancing preparations for the introduction of Lenacapavir (LEN) as a Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) option, it has emerged.
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) said the development reinforces the commitment of the government to HIV prevention and accelerating progress toward epidemic control.
The introduction of LEN PrEP represents a major step toward broadening prevention options, particularly for populations at high risk, offering a convenient, long-acting alternative to daily oral medications.
According to Toyin Aderibigbe, the Spokesperson for the agency, LEN PrEP, which requires only two injections a year, is aimed at high-risk populations and will complement existing oral PrEP programs.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria has set up coordinated efforts to position Nigeria for a structured and quality-assured rollout of LEN PrEP in priority States,” Aderibigbe said.
The phased introduction of LEN PrEP, according to her, is supported by regulatory approval, system preparedness, trained personnel, and community engagement strategies.
"The government has completed landscape and readiness assessments across ten states, including Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, FCT, Gombe, Kano, Kwara, and Lagos.
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"The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has granted regulatory approval, while a National Training of Trainers held in Abuja was followed by step-down training of healthcare workers in the implementing states.
"Information, Education, and Communication materials have also been developed to support awareness and uptake, with commodities expected to arrive in March 2026," she said.
Nigeria has one of the highest HIV burdens in the world, with an estimated 1.9 million people living with the virus and a prevalence rate of around 1.4% among adults.
Recent national efforts have focused on expanding access to HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services, including oral PrEP, with the aim of reducing new infections and reaching the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.
