Nigeria to Receive Breakthrough HIV Prevention Drug Lenacapavir in March

Nigeria is set to take a significant step in its fight against HIV/AIDS as the Federal Government has confirmed that consignments of the breakthrough HIV-prevention drug, lenacapavir, will arrive in the country in March 2026.

The announcement was made on Monday, March 2, 2026, in Abuja by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA). The agency disclosed that preparations are already in progress for the introduction and nationwide rollout of lenacapavir as part of Nigeria’s expanded HIV prevention strategy.

Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication administered twice a year. Clinical studies have shown that it offers near-total protection against HIV infection, marking a major advancement compared to daily oral PrEP options. Health experts believe the drug could significantly improve prevention efforts, particularly among high-risk populations and individuals who struggle with adherence to daily medication.

Officials said the introduction of lenacapavir aligns with global efforts to curb new HIV infections and accelerate epidemic control by expanding prevention choices. The drug is expected to complement existing HIV prevention services in Nigeria, including testing, counseling, condom distribution, and antiretroviral therapy.

Public health stakeholders have welcomed the development, describing it as a potential game-changer in Nigeria’s HIV response. However, experts stress that the success of the rollout will depend on strong delivery systems, sustainable funding, healthcare worker training, and community awareness campaigns to drive acceptance and uptake.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the national HIV/AIDS response, noting that the arrival of lenacapavir represents a strategic move toward reducing new infections and improving long-term public health outcomes across the country.