NACA, WHO warn media against HIV misinformation, stigma

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

The Director-General of NACA, Dr Temitope Ilori, gave the warning on Thursday in Lagos at a national training of journalists and social media influencers on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, 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 Nigerians must also have access to accurate information to make informed decisions about their health.

She identified PrEP as an effective HIV prevention option for people who are HIV-negative and may be at risk of acquiring the virus.

However, she noted that the impact of PrEP in Nigeria would depend not only on its availability but also on public awareness, correct understanding, accessibility and willingness to use it.

She said, “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.”

The NACA boss described journalists and social media influencers as critical partners in the national HIV response, given their ability to shape public conversations and reach millions of Nigerians.

According to her, the media and digital platforms have a responsibility to ensure that information on HIV prevention does not create fear or reinforce misconceptions.

She said, “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 urged media professionals and influencers to provide information that is accurate, evidence-based, respectful and free from stigma and discrimination.

She said they should help Nigerians understand who could use PrEP, how it works, where it could be accessed and the prevention options available.

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“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 warning comes as Nigeria strengthens its HIV prevention strategy under the National Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS 2026–2030, which places emphasis on sustainability, innovation, stronger partnerships and greater community engagement in the national response.

The renewed focus on prevention is significant given Nigeria’s large HIV burden and the need to prevent new infections while ensuring that people living with HIV have access to treatment and care.

PrEP forms part of combination HIV prevention and is designed for people who do not have HIV but may have a higher likelihood of acquiring the virus. Unlike a vaccine, it involves taking HIV prevention medicine before potential exposure to reduce the risk of infection.

Ilori said increasing awareness about PrEP was therefore essential to ensuring that eligible Nigerians could make informed choices about HIV prevention.

She also warned against judgmental reporting and content, urging journalists to humanise HIV prevention and create platforms where people could ask questions without fear or shame.

“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 DG said the training should not be treated as a one-off engagement but as the beginning of a stronger partnership between the agency, the media and the digital community.

She urged participants to use their platforms to challenge misconceptions, increase demand for HIV prevention services and reduce stigma.

“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.”

Deborah Tolu-Kolawole is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with four years of experience covering Nigeria’s vast education sector as well as related areas such as politics, health, security, and labour. She blends rigorous reporting with digital storytelling to bring clarity and insight to complex issues affecting learners, educators, and policymakers. Deborah was a nominee for The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) Prize in Journalism, recognising her impactful reporting and contributions to Nigerian media. Her work reflects strong newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a commitment to accurate, audience-focused journalism. In addition to her reporting, she is fluent in multiple languages and serves as a contributing member of The Punch editorial board.