NACA warns misinformation, stigma could derail HIV prevention efforts

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has cautioned that misinformation, stigma, and sensational reporting could undermine Nigeria’s HIV prevention efforts, urging journalists and social media influencers to provide accurate and evidence-based information on HIV prevention. Director-General Dr Temitope Ilori emphasized the importance of PrEP as an effective HIV prevention option for people who are HIV-negative and at risk of acquiring the virus, but stressed that its impact in Nigeria depends on public awareness, correct understanding, accessibility, and willingness to use it.

She urged media professionals and influencers to ensure that information on HIV prevention is accurate, respectful, and free from stigma, helping Nigerians understand who can use PrEP, how it works, where it can be accessed, and the prevention options available.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.