By Bunmi Yekini
Nigeria has received a shipment of long-acting injectable lenacapavir for HIV prevention, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said, describing the move as a step toward expanding prevention options and improving adherence among people at risk of infection.
The injectable drug, approved by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, will be used for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), offering an alternative to daily oral HIV prevention pills.
The National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said the consignment arrived in Nigeria on March 10, 2026.
Lenacapavir is a long-acting antiretroviral medicine originally developed for HIV treatment but now approved in some countries for HIV prevention through PrEP. Unlike daily oral medication, it is administered as an injection every six months, providing a more convenient option for individuals at risk of infection.
Health officials say the long-acting formulation could be particularly useful for people who struggle to adhere to daily medication schedules.
Several African countries, including Zambia, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa, have already approved and begun rolling out the injectable for HIV prevention.
In a statement on Wednesday, NASCP said the arrival of the drug marked a significant development in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen HIV prevention strategies.
“The introduction of Lenacapavir for PrEP marks a significant step towards broadening the range of prevention choices available to individuals at risk of HIV infection,” said Adebobola Bashorun, Federal Director and National Coordinator of NASCP.
“As a long-acting injectable option, LEN PrEP has the potential to improve adherence and expand access to effective HIV prevention services for populations that may face challenges with daily oral prevention options,” Bashorun said.
The programme said the procurement was supported through the Global Fund.
NASCP said it would work with partners and stakeholders to ensure the safe introduction and strategic deployment of the drug across the country. The injectable will also be integrated into existing national HIV prevention services as part of broader efforts to expand access to preventive care.
Officials said the rollout would complement Nigeria’s ongoing strategy to reduce new HIV infections by increasing access to a wider range of prevention tools.
“The arrival of LEN PrEP reflects Nigeria’s continued dedication to leveraging innovation and evidence-based interventions to accelerate progress toward epidemic control,” the statement said.
“By expanding prevention options and strengthening service delivery, the country is taking decisive steps to reduce new HIV infections and improve health outcomes for communities across Nigeria.”
NASCP also reiterated its commitment to improving equitable access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care services as part of Nigeria’s broader HIV response.
Public health experts say long-acting prevention technologies such as lenacapavir could transform HIV prevention programmes by reducing the burden of daily medication and improving adherence, particularly among populations at higher risk of infection.