GROUNDBREAKING HIV PREVENTION DRUG TO ARRIVE NIGERIA IN MARCH SAYS FG

The federal government says consignments of Lenacapavir, a new drug for HIV prevention, are expected to arrive in Nigeria in March 2026.

In a statement on Monday, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), said it is advancing preparations for the introduction and rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN) as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

It said the the move was part of its commitment to accelerate progress towards HIV epidemic control.

Lenacapavir is a long-acting HIV prevention drug. It is an injectable PrEP option taken only twice a year.

In clinical trials, Lenacapavir was found to significantly reduce the risk of infection and provide almost total protection against HIV.

“The Government of Nigeria (GON) is advancing preparations for the introduction and rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN) as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). This is part of Government’s commitment to strengthen HIV prevention and accelerate progress toward epidemic control,” the statement reads.

“Commodities are expected in country in March 2026.”

According to NACA, coordinated efforts are underway to ensure a “structured and quality-assured rollout” of the new prevention option in priority states.

The agency said Nigeria is on track for a phased introduction of LEN PrEP, backed by regulatory approval, system preparedness, trained personnel and community engagement strategies.

It said among the milestones already achieved is regulatory approval by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

It also disclosed that landscape and readiness assessments have been completed in 10 states: Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, FCT, Gombe, Kano, Kwara and Lagos to evaluate service delivery capacity and identify implementation needs.

NACA also said it has conducted a national training of trainers in Abuja, followed by step-down training for healthcare workers in the states selected for implementation.

In addition, information, education and communication (IEC) materials have been developed to support awareness creation and demand generation ahead of the rollout.

Comments

TRENDING ON RWGBLOG NEWS

" I DON'T THINK THERE'S ANY MAN ON THE SURFACE OF THIS EARTH THAT CAN DO ONE-TENTH OF WHAT LESI MAOL IS DOING IN OGONILAND." - NWISABARI BANI

ALETO COMMUNITY RENEWS CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY FROM ELEME LAWMAKER, HON. AFORJI IGWE OBEY

BREAKING NEWS: RIVERS COUNCILLOR'S OFFICIAL VEHICLE BURNT TO ASHES IN MYSTERIOUS ACCIDENT

"SOMEONE LIKE LESI MAOL, WHO ALLEGEDLY DECEIVED A YOUNG KHANA GIRL, IMPREGNATED HER AND ABANDONED HER, AND YOU SAY SUCH PERSON HAS CHARACTER?" - GANI TOPBA ALLEGES

OGONI YOUTH GROUPS DEMAND MEANINGFUL ROLE IN OIL RESUMPTION TALKS, CALL FOR UNITY

HOW A GOAT I BOUGHT AT AGE 12 PAID MY TUITION FROM SECONDARY SCHOOL TO 200 LEVEL IN UNIVERSITY - DINO MELAYE EXPLAINS

COMMUNITY YOUTH RAID SEVERAL SHRINES, VOW TO END ALLEGED RITUAL ACTIVITIES

BREAKING NEWS: CHRIST EMBASSY UNVEILS 'OF GOD' ELECTRIC CARS AS PASTOR CHRIS UNVEILS TSION BRAND

WHY I GAVE UP MY DREAM OF AN EXTRAVAGANT WEDDING AND MARRIED CRISTIANO RONALDO IN OUR LIVING ROOM - GEORGIA RODRIGUEZ

23-YR-OLD NIGERIAN LAW SCHOOL STUDENT ENDS IT ALL FROM 4-STOREY HOSTEL ON LAGOS CAMPUS