The National Agency for the Control of AIDS and the World Health Organisation have urged journalists and social media influencers to tackle misinformation and stigma surrounding HIV prevention, warning that inaccurate reporting could discourage Nigerians from seeking preventive services.
The call was made on Thursday in Lagos during a national training programme for journalists and social media influencers on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, organised by NACA in collaboration with the WHO.
The Director-General of NACA, Dr Temitope Ilori, said the country’s HIV response required more than access to medicines and prevention services, stressing that Nigerians also needed reliable information to make informed health decisions.
She identified Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, commonly known as PrEP, as an effective HIV prevention option for people who are HIV-negative but may be at risk of acquiring the virus.
Ilori, however, said the effectiveness of PrEP as part of Nigeria’s HIV prevention strategy would depend on public awareness, proper understanding, accessibility and people’s willingness to use it.
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“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.
Ilori described journalists and digital content creators as important partners in the country’s HIV response because of their ability to influence public discussions and reach large audiences.
She warned that sensational or inaccurate information about HIV prevention could create fear, reinforce misconceptions and contribute to discrimination against people seeking prevention or 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,” the NACA director-general said.
She therefore urged media professionals and social media influencers to rely on credible, evidence-based information when reporting on HIV.
According to her, public-facing content should clearly explain who can use PrEP, how the prevention method works, where it can be accessed and the options available to people seeking protection against 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 focuses on sustainability, innovation, stronger partnerships and greater community participation.
PrEP is one component of combination HIV prevention and is intended for people who do not have HIV but may face an increased risk of acquiring the virus.
Unlike a vaccine, PrEP involves the use of HIV-prevention medicine before potential exposure to reduce the risk of infection.
Ilori said better public understanding of PrEP was therefore essential to ensuring that eligible Nigerians could make informed decisions about available prevention options.
She also called on journalists and influencers to avoid judgmental language when discussing HIV and to create room for open and respectful conversations.
“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 boss said the training should serve as the beginning of a stronger relationship between the agency, the media and Nigeria’s growing digital community rather than being treated as a one-off programme.
She encouraged participants to use their platforms to challenge false claims, improve awareness of HIV prevention services and help reduce stigma.
Ilori said credible information could play an important role in increasing demand for prevention services and helping Nigerians make informed decisions about their health.
“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,” she said.
She urged journalists and digital creators to use their influence responsibly in the country’s HIV response.
“Let us use the power of journalism and digital influence to save lives,” Ilori added.
