Koko Maxwella 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria moves closer to a nationwide rollout of a twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug as the Federal Government confirms advanced preparations for its phased introduction.
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) says consignments of Lenacapavir will arrive in March, marking a major milestone in efforts to curb new HIV infections and accelerate epidemic control.
“This is part of the government’s commitment to strengthen HIV prevention and fast-track progress towards epidemic control,” NACA states in a release issued Monday in Abuja.
The drug, administered only twice a year as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), offers an alternative to daily oral pills that have recorded limited global uptake.
NACA says systems are already in place to ensure a quality-assured rollout in priority states, supported by trained healthcare workers, regulatory approval and community engagement strategies.
Readiness assessments are completed in 10 states, including Lagos, Kano, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory. Regulatory clearance has also been secured from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
National and state-level training sessions for healthcare workers are underway, alongside the deployment of public awareness materials to boost acceptance.
Health experts say the long-acting injection could significantly expand HIV prevention coverage, particularly among populations struggling with daily medication adherence.
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