By Ojoma Akor
The much-awaited Long-Acting Injectable Lenacapavir (LEN) for HIV prevention has landed in Nigeria.
Dr. Adebobola Bashorun, Federal Director and National Coordinator of the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW), in a statement on Wednesday, announced the arrival of the twice-yearly injectable for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in Abuja, Nigeria.
He said it arrived in Nigeria on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, adding that the milestone, approved by the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and supported through the Global Fund, represents a major advancement in the country’s HIV prevention efforts and further strengthens Nigeria’s commitment to expanding innovative HIV prevention options.
He said, “The introduction of Lenacapavir for PrEP marks a significant step towards broadening the range of prevention choices available to individuals at risk of HIV infection. As a long-acting injectable option, LEN PrEP has the potential to improve adherence and expand access to effective HIV prevention services for populations that may face challenges with daily oral prevention options.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), LEN, the first twice-yearly injectable PrEP product, offers a highly effective, long-acting alternative to daily oral pills and other shorter-acting options.
It said with just two doses per year, LEN is a transformative step forward in protecting people at risk of HIV – particularly those who face challenges with daily adherence, stigma, or access to health care.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said: “While an HIV vaccine remains elusive, lenacapavir is the next best thing: a long-acting antiretroviral shown in trials to prevent almost all HIV infections among those at risk.”
“The launch of WHO’s new guidelines, alongside the FDA’s recent approval, marks a critical step forward in expanding access to this powerful tool. WHO is committed to working with countries and partners to ensure this innovation reaches communities as quickly and safely as possible,” he said in a statement last year.
Earlier, results from studies have shown the overwhelming efficacy of twice-yearly injections of LEN in the prevention of HIV infections compared to standard oral preventive HIV medicines, PrEP.
Countries in Africa that earlier received doses of LEN include: Eswatini, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
Dr. Bashorun said the arrival of LEN PrEP reflects Nigeria’s continued dedication to leveraging innovation and evidence-based interventions to accelerate progress toward epidemic control.
By expanding prevention options and strengthening service delivery, the country is taking decisive steps to reduce new HIV infections and improve health outcomes for communities across Nigeria, he said.
He said NASCP, in collaboration with partners and stakeholders, will work to ensure the safe introduction, strategic deployment, and effective integration of Lenacapavir into the national HIV prevention options. The rollout will support ongoing efforts to increase access to prevention services while reinforcing Nigeria’s broader HIV response.
“NASCP remains committed to advancing equitable access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care services. The arrival of Long-Acting Injectable Lenacapavir is a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s resolve to scale up innovative solutions and strengthen the fight against HIV. Together, Nigeria moves closer to ending HIV as a public health threat, “he added.
