NACA, WHO Task Media on Accurate HIV Reporting, Warn Against Stigma and Misinformation

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS has cautioned that misinformation, stigma and sensational reporting could undermine Nigeria’s efforts to curb new HIV infections, calling on journalists and social media influencers to prioritise accurate, evidence-based reporting on HIV prevention.

The Director-General of NACA, Dr Temitope Ilori, gave the warning on Thursday in Lagos during a national training for journalists and social media influencers on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), organised by the agency in collaboration with the World Health Organisation.

Ilori said tackling HIV required more than making medicines and prevention services available, noting that Nigerians also need accurate information to make informed health decisions. She described PrEP as a highly effective prevention option for HIV-negative individuals at risk of contracting the virus, but stressed that its success depends on public awareness, correct understanding, accessibility and willingness to use it  not availability alone.

She positioned journalists and influencers as key partners in the national HIV response because of their reach and influence over public conversations, warning that inaccurate reporting in an era of misinformation could instil fear, deepen stigma and discourage people from seeking services. She urged media professionals to ensure their content remains accurate, respectful and free of discrimination, helping the public understand who qualifies for PrEP, how it works, and where it can be accessed.

The NACA boss said the media should help answer questions many Nigerians are too afraid to ask, including how they can protect themselves from HIV without fear or shame.

The training aligns with Nigeria’s broader push under the National Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS 2026–2030, which emphasises sustainability, innovation, stronger partnerships and deeper community engagement in the fight against HIV. Given Nigeria’s significant HIV burden, officials say renewed focus on prevention is critical alongside continued treatment and care for those already living with the virus.

Ilori explained that PrEP, unlike a vaccine, involves taking preventive medication before potential exposure to reduce infection risk, and forms part of a broader combination prevention approach. She further cautioned against judgmental coverage, urging journalists to humanise HIV prevention efforts and create safe spaces for public engagement rather than judgment.

She described the training as the start of a long-term partnership between NACA, the media and digital influencers, urging participants to use their platforms to challenge misconceptions, boost demand for prevention services and reduce stigma. “Let us use the power of journalism and digital influence to save lives,” she said.