The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has cautioned that misinformation, stigma and sensational coverage of HIV-related issues could weaken Nigeria’s efforts to curb new infections.
The agency’s Director-General, 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 partnership with the World Health Organisation.
Ilori stressed that Nigeria’s HIV response must go beyond providing medicines and prevention services, noting that people also need reliable information to make sound decisions about their health.
She described PrEP as an effective prevention method for HIV-negative individuals who may face a higher risk of contracting the virus, but said its success in Nigeria would depend on more than simply making the medication available.
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 chief identified journalists and social media influencers as important stakeholders in the country’s HIV response because of their ability to influence public opinion and reach large audiences.
She warned that irresponsible information on HIV prevention could heighten fear, deepen stigma and discourage Nigerians from seeking available services.
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 called on journalists and digital content creators to communicate HIV-related issues accurately and respectfully, while ensuring that their reports and content are grounded in evidence and do not promote discrimination.
She urged them to provide clear answers on PrEP, including who can use it, how it works, where it is available and the different HIV prevention choices open to Nigerians.
“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 NACA warning comes as Nigeria implements its National Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS 2026–2030, which prioritises sustainable interventions, innovation, stronger partnerships and increased community participation in the fight against HIV.
With Nigeria still carrying a significant HIV burden, strengthening prevention remains crucial to reducing new infections while ensuring people living with HIV continue to receive treatment and care.
PrEP is part of combination HIV prevention and is intended for people who are HIV-negative but may have an increased risk of acquiring the virus.
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Unlike vaccination, PrEP involves taking HIV prevention medicine before potential exposure to lower the likelihood of infection.
Ilori therefore emphasised the importance of expanding public knowledge about PrEP so that eligible Nigerians can make informed decisions about protecting themselves from HIV.
She also urged media practitioners and influencers to avoid judgmental language and instead present HIV prevention in a way that encourages openness and makes it easier for people to seek information and services.
“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 mark the start of a sustained relationship between the agency, the media and Nigeria’s digital community rather than serve as a single engagement.
She called on participants to use their platforms to correct false claims, promote uptake of HIV prevention services and tackle stigma surrounding 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.”