National Agency for the Control of AIDS has warned journalists and social media influencers against spreading misinformation and sensational content about HIV, saying such practices could undermine efforts to prevent new infections and deepen stigma.
The Director-General of NACA, Dr Temitope Ilori, gave the warning on Thursday in Lagos at a national training for 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 also needed accurate information to make informed decisions about their health.
She described Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis as an effective HIV prevention option for people who are HIV-negative but may be at risk of acquiring the virus.
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 identified the media and social media influencers as critical partners in the national HIV response because of their ability to shape public opinion and reach millions of Nigerians.
She cautioned against reporting that could create fear, reinforce misconceptions or discourage people from accessing HIV prevention 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 urged journalists and influencers to provide accurate, evidence-based and respectful information on HIV prevention, including who can use PrEP, how it works, where it can be accessed and other available prevention options.
“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.
Ilori also urged media professionals to humanise HIV prevention and create platforms where people could ask questions without fear of discrimination or judgment.
“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 warning comes as Nigeria strengthens its HIV prevention strategy under the National Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS 2026–2030, which emphasises sustainability, innovation, stronger partnerships and greater community engagement.
Ilori said the training should mark the beginning of a stronger partnership between NACA, 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. “Let us use the power of journalism and digital influence to save lives,” she said.
NACA, WHO warn media against HIV misinformation, stigma
