NACA and WHO Urge Accurate HIV Information in Nigeria

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) issued a warning on Thursday in Lagos regarding the dangers of misinformation, stigma, and sensational reporting that could hinder Nigeria's efforts to prevent new HIV infections. Dr.

Temitope Ilori, the Director-General of NACA, addressed journalists and social media influencers during a national training on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), organized in collaboration with the World Health Organisation. Ilori stressed that the fight against HIV requires not only the availability of medicines and prevention services but also access to accurate information for informed health decisions.

She highlighted PrEP as an effective prevention method for HIV-negative individuals at risk of infection, noting that its success relies on public awareness, understanding, accessibility, and willingness to use it. Ilori called on media professionals to provide respectful, evidence-based information to combat fear and stigma surrounding HIV, as Nigeria enhances its HIV prevention strategy under the National Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS 2026–2030.