NACA URGES JOURNALISTS TO EXPAND HIV PREVENTION AWARENESS

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS has urged journalists to strengthen public awareness of HIV prevention options and provide Nigerians with accurate, evidence-based information.

The Director-General of NACA, Dr Temitope Ilori, represented by Toyin Aderibigbe, made the call during a training for journalists on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in Lagos. The programme focused on improving reporting around PrEP and newer prevention options, including lenacapavir.

Ilori said the media had an important role in helping Nigerians understand available HIV prevention services and addressing misinformation that could discourage people from seeking appropriate care.

She explained that PrEP is an effective prevention option for people who are HIV-negative and may be at risk of acquiring HIV.

According to her, the availability of prevention services alone was not enough, as people also needed clear information about who could use them, how they work and where services could be accessed.

She urged journalists to avoid sensational or inaccurate reporting, noting that misinformation could create fear and reinforce stigma around HIV.

The training brought together journalists, editors, broadcasters, digital media practitioners and other communication professionals from several states.

NACA encouraged participants to use their platforms to challenge myths, promote evidence-based information and make HIV prevention messages easier for the public to understand.