Consignments of Lenacapavir (LEN), a groundbreaking twice-yearly injectable for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), will arrive in Nigeria this month, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) announced Monday.
NACA’s statement, signed by Head of Public Relations Toyin Aderibigbe, confirms federal preparations for a structured rollout to bolster prevention amid the HIV epidemic, where adult prevalence varies widely but remains a public health challenge.
Unlike daily oral PrEP, Lenacapavir—endorsed by WHO in July 2025—requires just two subcutaneous injections yearly. PURPOSE 1 trial showed zero infections; PURPOSE 2 had two cases versus more in comparison arms, offering near-complete protection and addressing adherence issues from stigma and pill fatigue.
“This is part of Government’s commitment to strengthen HIV prevention and accelerate progress toward epidemic control,” NACA stated. Commodities arrive March 2026 in priority states after NAFDAC regulatory approval.
Phased Rollout Preparations
Landscape and readiness assessments covered 10 high-burden states: Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, FCT, Gombe, Kano, Kwara, and Lagos, evaluating service capacity and gaps.
A National Training of Trainers occurred in Abuja, cascaded to healthcare workers for effective delivery. Information, education, and communication (IEC) materials support community sensitization and demand creation.
The phased approach ensures quality-assured deployment, positioning Lenacapavir alongside oral PrEP, cabotegravir, and dapivirine rings in combination strategies for at-risk groups.
NACA emphasized system readiness, trained personnel, and engagement to maximize uptake, reduce new infections, and sustain epidemic control momentum.
