By Muhammad Amaan
The Federal Government says Nigeria has recorded significant progress toward the introduction and nationwide rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN) as a Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) option to strengthen HIV prevention efforts.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mrs Toyin Aderibigbe, Head of Media and Publicity at the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), on Monday in Abuja.
According to the statement, Nigeria is advancing preparations for the introduction of Lenacapavir, an injectable HIV prevention option administered twice yearly, as part of efforts to accelerate progress toward HIV epidemic control.
NACA disclosed that commodities for the Lenacapavir PrEP programme were expected to arrive in the country in March, paving the way for a phased deployment.
“This is part of the government’s commitment to strengthen HIV prevention and accelerate progress toward epidemic control,” the agency stated.
It added that coordinated national efforts had been established to ensure a structured and quality-assured rollout of LEN PrEP across priority states.
“Nigeria is on track for the phased introduction of LEN PrEP, supported by regulatory approval, system preparedness, trained personnel and community engagement strategies,” the statement said.
NACA said key milestones had already been achieved to support implementation.
“These include the completion of landscape and readiness assessments in 10 states: Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Gombe, Kano, Kwara and Lagos.
The agency further disclosed that regulatory approval for Lenacapavir had been granted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
It also revealed that a National Training of Trainers was conducted in Abuja, followed by step-down training for healthcare workers in the selected states.
According to NACA, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials have been developed to enhance public awareness and promote uptake of the new HIV prevention option.
The agency reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening HIV prevention interventions and expanding access to innovative tools aimed at reducing new infections nationwide.
