Abuja: The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced substantial progress in the introduction and nationwide rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN) as a Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) option to enhance HIV prevention measures. The announcement was made through a statement from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), as signed by Mrs. Toyin Aderibigbe, Head of Media and Publicity.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Nigeria is making strides in preparing for the introduction of Lenacapavir, an injectable HIV prevention method to be administered twice yearly. This initiative is part of a broader effort to expedite the country’s progress toward controlling the HIV epidemic. NACA has confirmed that the necessary commodities for the Lenacapavir PrEP programme are expected to arrive in March, facilitating a phased deployment.
The agency emphasized the government’s commitment to reinforcing HIV prevention and accelerating the path toward epidemic control. NACA mentioned that comprehensive national efforts are in place to ensure a structured and quality-assured rollout of the LEN PrEP programme across key states.
Nigeria is proceeding with the phased introduction of LEN PrEP, backed by regulatory approval, system readiness, trained personnel, and community engagement strategies. NACA highlighted that significant milestones have been reached, including landscape and readiness assessments in ten states: Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Gombe, Kano, Kwara, and Lagos.
Regulatory approval for Lenacapavir has been secured from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Furthermore, NACA has conducted a National Training of Trainers in Abuja, followed by subsequent training sessions for healthcare workers in the identified states.
The agency has also developed Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials to boost public awareness and promote the adoption of this new HIV prevention option.