Nigeria is preparing to introduce lenacapavir, a new twice-yearly injectable drug for HIV prevention that global health experts say could significantly strengthen efforts to curb new infections.
The injection, which offers an alternative to daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), is expected to arrive in Nigeria in March 2026, according to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA).
The agency says regulatory clearance has already been secured from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), while readiness assessments have been completed in 10 states, including Lagos, Kano, Akwa Ibom and Anambra.
The introduction follows a landmark recommendation by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in July 2025 endorsing injectable lenacapavir as an additional HIV prevention option.
Lenacapavir is a long-acting antiretroviral medicine that targets the HIV capsid, a protein shell that protects the virus and plays a key role in viral replication.
By interfering with this capsid, the drug prevents HIV from replicating and establishing infection after exposure. Unlike daily oral PrEP, which must be taken consistently to remain effective, lenacapavir is administered as an injection once every six months.
This reduces the burden of daily medication to just two doses per year.
According to WHO, the long-acting injectable offers a “highly effective, long-acting alternative” for people at substantial risk of HIV infection, particularly those who face challenges with adherence, stigma, or limited access to health services.
