Lenacapavir: Nigeria to Introduce Long Acting HIV Prevention Injection in March 2026
Nigeria is set to introduce lenacapavir, a new twice-yearly injectable drug for HIV prevention that experts say could significantly boost efforts to reduce new infections.
The injection is expected to arrive in March 2026, according to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA). The agency says readiness assessments have already been completed in 10 states, including Lagos, Kano, Akwa Ibom, and Anambra.
What Is Lenacapavir?
Lenacapavir is a long-acting antiretroviral medicine that targets the HIV capsid — the protein shell that protects the virus and enables it to replicate.
By disrupting the capsid, the drug prevents HIV from multiplying and establishing infection after exposure. Unlike daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which must be taken consistently to remain effective, lenacapavir is administered just once every six months.
That means two injections per year instead of a daily pill.
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes the injectable as a “highly effective, long-acting alternative” for people at substantial risk of HIV infection, particularly those who struggle with adherence, stigma, or limited access to healthcare services.
Global Backing and WHO Recommendation
Lenacapavir gained international attention after clinical trials showed strong protection against HIV among high-risk populations.
In July 2025, the WHO formally recommended the injectable as an additional PrEP option during the International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science held in Kigali, Rwanda.
The agency emphasized that the injection should complement — not replace — existing prevention tools such as oral PrEP and condoms. The recommendation came amid signs of stagnation in global HIV prevention efforts.
According to WHO data, 1.3 million new HIV infections were recorded worldwide in 2024. Approximately 40.8 million people were living with HIV, and about 630,000 died from HIV-related causes. Nearly 65 percent of people living with HIV reside in the WHO African Region.
The UNAIDS also welcomed the development, describing innovative prevention tools as critical to reversing global infection trends.
A Breakthrough in Affordability
Although scientifically promising, lenacapavir initially raised concerns over access due to its high price estimated at around $28,000 per person per year in high-income countries.
However, in September 2025, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Nigeria joined other countries in announcing a major price-reduction agreement at a Clinton Global Initiative meeting.
Under the new arrangement, eligible low- and middle-income countries can access the twice-yearly injection at approximately $40 per person per year.
Following early rollout in South Africa, Eswatini, and Zambia the first public uses of the injectable in Africa
Nigeria confirmed in December 2025 that it would adopt the drug.
Studies indicate the drug reduces HIV transmission risk by 99.9 percent, making it one of the most effective prevention tools currently available.
Why It Matters for Nigeria
HIV remains a major public health issue in Nigeria. According to data cited by NACA and global health partners, HIV prevalence among Nigerians aged 15 to 49 is estimated at 1.3 percent, with about 1.9 million people living with the virus.
Globally, WHO reports that 31.6 million people were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2024 up from 30.3 million in 2023.
Nigeria has made progress in expanding treatment coverage and has recorded a decline in new infections over the past decade. However, prevention gaps remain.
Daily oral PrEP, available for more than a decade, requires strict adherence. Uptake globally has been limited due to stigma, pill fatigue, and access challenges. Long-acting injectables like lenacapavir could help address these barriers by offering a more discreet and convenient option.
Groups expected to benefit most include adolescent girls and young women, sex workers, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and other priority populations identified by WHO.
Nigeria’s Rollout Plans
According to NACA, preparations for the rollout are ongoing.
The agency has completed landscape and readiness assessments in selected states to evaluate service delivery capacity. A national training-of-trainers programme has been conducted, followed by step-down training for healthcare workers in implementation states.
Information and communication materials are also being developed to support public awareness and demand generation ahead of distribution.
NACA’s Director-General, Temitope Ilori, described the introduction of lenacapavir as part of a broader effort to build a more sustainable and self-reliant HIV response, especially amid global funding uncertainties.
The federal government has also approved additional funding to ensure uninterrupted HIV prevention and treatment services.
With its twice-yearly dosing schedule and newly reduced price for low- and middle-income countries, lenacapavir’s expected arrival in March 2026 marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s HIV prevention efforts — potentially expanding protection to people who struggle with daily medication adherence.