Nigeria Set To Receive New HIV Prevention Drug..

Nigeria is ready to receive new HIV prevention drug, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has said.

Identifying the drug as Lenacapavir (LEN), a twice-yearly HIV prevention drug, it said in a statement that Nigeria would receive its first shipment this month of March.

NACA, made the revelation in a statement on Monday, adding that major rollout requirements, including landscape and readiness assessments across 10 states have been concluded.

The states are Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, the Federal Capital Territory, Gombe, Kano, Kwara, and Lagos, the statement stated.

The federal government said the introduction and rollout of the injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) option was part of its broader commitment towards strengthening HIV prevention in the country.

Lenacapavir, taken only twice a year, is expected to provide a more convenient and effective alternative for individuals at high risk of HIV.

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NACA said Nigeria is on track for a phased introduction of LEN PrEP across priority states, backed by regulatory approval, system readiness, trained personnel, and community engagement strategies.

NACA said it has also developed Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to support public awareness and smooth implementation.

The coming of the new HIV prevention drug is expected help deepen the country’s efforts to checkmate further incidences of HIV-AIDS in the country.