Nigeria to Roll Out Lenacapavir for HIV Prevention

The Nigerian government is preparing for the nationwide rollout of lenacapavir, an injectable HIV prevention drug, as part of its strategy to enhance HIV prevention efforts. Mr.

Toyin Aderibigb, head of media at the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), announced that the drug will be administered biannually and is expected to arrive in the country by March. This initiative aims to accelerate progress toward controlling the HIV epidemic in Nigeria.

NACA has disclosed that preparations for the introduction of lenacapavir include regulatory approvals and training for healthcare workers in selected states. A landscape readiness assessment has already been completed in ten states, including Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Gombe, Kano, Kwara, and Lagos.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has granted regulatory approval for lenacapavir, and NACA is committed to enhancing public awareness and promoting the uptake of this new HIV prevention option.