Nigeria is set to receive Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention drug described as a major breakthrough in the global fight against the virus, following regulatory clearance for its introduction into the country.
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) disclosed on Monday that preparations are underway for the rollout of the injectable medication as part of efforts to strengthen national HIV prevention strategies.
In a statement issued by the agency’s Head of Public Relations, Toyin Aderibigbe, NACA confirmed that the drug has secured approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), clearing the way for its deployment across the country.
Lenacapavir, administered through injection twice yearly, offers a more convenient alternative to existing daily oral preventive medications used for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
Clinical trials have demonstrated a 100 per cent effectiveness rate in preventing HIV infection, raising hopes among public health experts about its potential impact.
According to NACA, the Federal Government is advancing logistical and operational arrangements ahead of the nationwide rollout as part of broader efforts to curb new infections and accelerate progress toward ending the HIV epidemic.
“The Government of Nigeria is advancing preparations for the introduction and rollout of Lenacapavir as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. This forms part of ongoing commitments to strengthen HIV prevention and fast-track epidemic control,” the statement said.
The agency added that Nigeria would benefit from voluntary licensing agreements with generic manufacturers, allowing the drug to be supplied at an affordable annual cost of about $40 per person.
The medication will also be distributed across 119 other low- and middle-income countries under the same framework.
NACA revealed that readiness assessments have already been completed in 10 states — Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, the Federal Capital Territory, Gombe, Kano, Kwara and Lagos — as part of implementation planning.
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The agency noted that the first batch of the commodities is expected to arrive in Nigeria in March 2026.
Nigeria continues to face a significant HIV burden, with an estimated 1.9 million people living with the virus and a national prevalence rate of 1.3 per cent among adults aged between 15 and 49 years.
Data cited by the agency showed that the country recorded about 74,000 new infections and 51,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2021.
The South-South region currently records the highest prevalence rate at 3.1 per cent, while women within the 15-49 age bracket remain more than twice as likely to be living with HIV compared to men.
Health authorities expressed optimism that the introduction of Lenacapavir would significantly reduce new infections and strengthen Nigeria’s HIV prevention response in the coming years.