Nigeria has introduced Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable drug for HIV prevention administered once every six months.
RoundReports understands that the move would strengthen the country’s push to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, announced the rollout on Monday at a press briefing in Abuja, describing it as a vital expansion of the nation’s HIV prevention toolkit.
Unlike daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), Lenacapavir is given twice a year, a feature the minister said could improve adherence, particularly among key and vulnerable populations.
He added that clinical evidence shows the drug has high efficacy in reducing the risk of HIV acquisition, with a safety profile comparable to existing oral therapies.
Nigeria is among nine countries selected by the Global Fund as early adopters of the new prevention option.
An initial 52,000 doses have been allocated for the first phase of the programme, which will be implemented across eight states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
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According to Salako, the drug is intended for HIV-negative individuals, especially those who find it difficult to maintain daily medication.
It will be offered alongside existing prevention options, including oral PrEP and long-acting injectable cabotegravir, allowing people to choose methods that best fit their circumstances.
To support the rollout, the Ministry of Health has developed a Rapid Advice on Lenacapavir for PrEP and a 2025–2028 National PrEP Implementation Plan, covering governance, service delivery, supply chains, financing and community engagement.
Preparatory work has included regulatory clearance from the NAFDAC, training of healthcare workers, facility readiness assessments and public awareness campaigns.
The first batch of injections arrived in the country on March 10, 2026, with national launch activities now under way.
Health authorities believe the success of the programme could play a critical role in accelerating Nigeria’s progress towards eliminating HIV/AIDS as a public health threat within the decade.