Nigeria to Receive HIV Prevention Drug Lenacapavir in March 2026, Says NACA
Nigeria is preparing to receive consignments of Lenacapavir, a long acting injectable HIV prevention drug, in March 2026, marking what public health authorities describe as a decisive shift in the country’s HIV prevention strategy.
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) confirmed that the breakthrough medication, widely regarded as one of the most advanced HIV prevention tools globally, will soon be introduced into Nigeria’s prevention framework. PulseNets learnt that the development forms part of a structured national plan aimed at accelerating epidemic control and reducing new HIV infections across high burden states.
In a statement released on Monday, March 2, 2026, the agency outlined its roadmap for the phased introduction of Lenacapavir as a Pre Exposure Prophylaxis option. Health officials told PulseNets that the injectable drug, administered just twice a year, is expected to improve adherence levels compared to daily oral PrEP pills, which have historically recorded inconsistent uptake.
Clinical trial findings obtained by PulseNets show remarkable outcomes. Lenacapavir achieved 100 percent effectiveness in preventing HIV infections among cisgender women in pivotal studies such as PURPOSE 1, while demonstrating near complete protection ranging between 99.9 and 100 percent across diverse populations, including men who have sex with men and transgender individuals. These results position the drug as one of the most potent HIV prevention innovations currently available.
Nigeria continues to grapple with a significant HIV burden. An estimated 1.9 million Nigerians are living with HIV, with an adult prevalence rate of 1.3 percent among individuals aged 15 to 49. Public health analysts who spoke to PulseNets noted that the introduction of long acting injectable PrEP could significantly improve prevention outcomes among adolescent girls, young women, and other key populations in priority regions.
According to details reported by the agency, consignments are scheduled to arrive in March 2026, clearing the way for phased deployment. Preparatory measures already underway include regulatory approvals, health system readiness assessments, targeted training for healthcare personnel, and expanded community engagement initiatives to build trust and awareness.
The initial rollout will focus on ten priority states following comprehensive landscape evaluations. These include Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, Federal Capital Territory, Gombe, Kano, Kwara, and Lagos.
Affordable access remains central to the strategy. PulseNets obtained confirmation that voluntary licensing agreements with generic manufacturers have significantly reduced the annual cost to approximately 40 dollars per person, a steep decline from the drug’s initial market price. This pricing structure is expected to make large scale implementation feasible for Nigeria and other low and middle income countries.
Director General of NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori, emphasized that the injectable PrEP will strengthen Nigeria’s existing HIV prevention architecture by addressing adherence challenges linked to daily oral regimens.
“This injectable PrEP will complement our current prevention strategies and directly tackle adherence barriers that have limited the effectiveness of daily oral options,” she said.
Global health policy momentum has also supported the rollout. The World Health Organization endorsed twice yearly Lenacapavir as an additional PrEP option in July 2025, reinforcing its scientific credibility and global acceptance. Nigeria’s participation in landmark pricing agreements announced during the United Nations General Assembly further paved the way for expanded access.
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Despite optimism surrounding Lenacapavir’s arrival, experts caution that equitable distribution, stigma reduction, sustained funding, and strong community engagement will determine long term impact. Stakeholders also pointed to funding uncertainties linked to global donor shifts, including concerns surrounding PEPFAR support structures.
As Nigeria prepares for the March 2026 delivery, public health authorities maintain that the success of this long acting HIV prevention drug will depend not only on supply but on strategic implementation that prioritizes access, awareness, and equity.
