The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has warned that misinformation, stigma and sensational reporting could undermine Nigeria’s efforts to prevent new HIV infections.
The agency urged journalists and social media influencers to provide accurate, evidence-based information on HIV prevention and help Nigerians make informed decisions about their health.
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 NACA in collaboration with the World Health Organisation.
Ilori said the fight against HIV went beyond making medicines and prevention services available, stressing that access to accurate and understandable information was equally important.
She described PrEP as a highly effective HIV prevention option for people who are HIV-negative but may be at risk of acquiring the virus.
“PrEP is a highly effective HIV prevention option for people who are HIV-negative and may be at risk of acquiring HIV. However, its effectiveness in the national response depends not only on availability, but also on awareness, correct understanding, accessibility and willingness to use it,” she said.
The NACA boss identified the media and digital platforms as critical partners in Nigeria’s HIV response, noting their ability to shape public opinion and reach millions of people.
She warned that inaccurate or sensational information about HIV could create fear, reinforce stigma and discourage people from seeking prevention and treatment services.
“In the age of misinformation and sensational content, inaccurate information about HIV prevention can create fear, reinforce stigma and discourage people from accessing services,” Ilori said.
She therefore urged journalists and influencers to ensure that their reports and online content were accurate, evidence-based, respectful and free from stigma and discrimination.
According to her, media professionals should help Nigerians understand who can use PrEP, how it works, where it can be accessed and the other options available for preventing HIV.
“We need you to help answer the questions people may be afraid to ask: Who can use PrEP? How does it work? Where can it be accessed? What are the options available? And perhaps most importantly, how can people protect themselves from HIV without fear or shame?” she said.
The renewed emphasis on HIV prevention comes as Nigeria implements its National Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS 2026–2030, which prioritises sustainability, innovation, stronger partnerships and increased community engagement.
Ilori said increasing awareness about PrEP was essential to ensuring that eligible Nigerians could make informed choices about HIV prevention.
She also cautioned against judgmental reporting and urged journalists and content creators to humanise HIV prevention by creating platforms where people could ask questions without fear or embarrassment.
“Your stories should humanise HIV prevention. Your content should encourage conversations rather than judgment. And your platforms should become trusted sources of credible health information,” she said.
The NACA Director-General said the training should serve as the beginning of a stronger partnership between the agency, the media and the digital community rather than a one-off engagement.
She urged participants to use their platforms to challenge misconceptions, increase awareness and demand for HIV prevention services, and help reduce stigma against people affected by the virus.
“Together, we can increase demand for HIV prevention services, reduce misinformation, address stigma and ensure that more Nigerians have the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves from HIV,” Ilori said.
She added, “Let us use the power of journalism and digital influence to save lives.”