Nigeria Lenacapavir rollout begins with the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection at $40 per person, boosting epidemic control efforts

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has confirmed that Nigeria will receive Lenacapavir, a pioneering HIV prevention drug demonstrating 100% efficacy in clinical trials, the agency announced on Monday, March 2, 2026.

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NACA’s Head of Public Relations, Toyin Aderibigbe, stated that the drug has secured regulatory approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Lenacapavir is administered via injection twice a year, offering a convenient alternative to daily oral HIV prevention therapies.

The medication will be available in Nigeria and 119 other low- and middle-income countries at an annual cost of $40 per person, facilitated by voluntary licensing agreements with generic manufacturers.

“The Government of Nigeria is advancing preparations for the introduction and rollout of Lenacapavir as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), reinforcing its commitment to HIV prevention and epidemic control,” the statement added.

NACA has completed readiness and landscape assessments in ten states, including Lagos, Kano, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory, ahead of the March 2026 arrival.

Nigeria currently has approximately 1.9 million people living with HIV, with women aged 15–49 over twice as likely as men to be affected.

The South-South region has the highest prevalence at 3.1%, highlighting the urgency of expanded preventive interventions.

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Lenacapavir’s introduction marks a significant step in Nigeria’s strategy to reduce new HIV infections and improve access to innovative, life-saving treatments.