NACA urges journalists to deepen HIV awareness

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS has urged journalists to intensify public awareness of HIV prevention options, particularly pre-exposure prophylaxis, to improve access to accurate information and prevention services in Nigeria.

The Director-General of NACA, Dr Temitope Ilori, represented by Mrs Toyin Aderibigbe, made the call on Monday in Lagos, during a training for journalists on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, PrEP.

Participants were drawn from Benue, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Ebonyi, Gombe, Kwara, Cross River and the Federal Capital Territory, with focus on expanding awareness of lenacapavir as an HIV prevention option.

The capacity-building training was designed to equip journalists, editors, broadcasters, digital media practitioners and national call centre personnel with the tools to report accurately and in an evidence-based manner on lenacapavir as an innovative HIV prevention option.

Ilori said the media had a critical role to play in strengthening public understanding of HIV prevention and ensuring that Nigerians had access to accurate, evidence-based and life-saving information.

She stressed, “Nigeria’s HIV response has evolved significantly over the years. While we continue to sustain gains in HIV testing, treatment and care, prevention remains a critical component of our national response. This is where PrEP becomes particularly important.

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

The NACA DG, however, noted that the availability of prevention interventions alone was not sufficient, maintaining that people needed the right information to understand their options, know where services were available and feel confident seeking them.

She described media professionals as “indispensable partners” in the HIV prevention response, noting that well-researched reports could dispel misconceptions, encourage people to seek prevention services and potentially save lives.

She cautioned that inaccurate or sensational reporting could create fear, reinforce stigma and discourage people from accessing HIV services.

“We therefore count on you to report PrEP and HIV prevention accurately, responsibly, respectfully and without stigma,” Ilori said.

She further urged journalists to provide answers to questions that members of the public might be reluctant to ask, including who can use PrEP, how it works, available options, where services can be accessed and what people should know before choosing a prevention option.

According to her, the training was not merely about understanding the technical aspects of PrEP but also about equipping journalists with the capacity to translate technical information into simple and trustworthy messages for the public.

“We want you to leave this programme better equipped to identify misinformation, challenge myths and develop compelling, evidence-based stories for television, radio, newspapers, online platforms and social media,” she said.

Ilori further encouraged journalists to take advantage of digital platforms, particularly as young people increasingly obtain health information online.

She said the media must ensure that credible information was available on platforms where Nigerians seek health information.

“As Nigeria centres its prevention response under the National Strategic Plan 2023 to 2030, partnerships such as this are essential. The plan places emphasis on sustainability, innovation, stronger partnerships and greater community engagement,” she said.

The NACA boss called for sustained collaboration between the agency, media organisations, development partners and the wider digital communication community beyond the training.

“We will need your continued partnership to take this evidence-based information to communities, challenge misinformation and increase awareness and demand for HIV prevention services,” she added.

Also, the Director and National Coordinator of the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme, Dr Adebobola Bashorun, represented by Senior Nursing Officer Nzenwata Uchechi, commended the organisers for convening the training.

Bashorun stressed the importance of accurate and responsible media reporting in building public understanding and trust in HIV prevention.

Accurate, clear and responsible media reporting is essential to building public understanding and trust in HIV prevention,” Bashorun said.

He noted that as new HIV prevention options emerged, stronger collaboration between health institutions and the media would be necessary to ensure that communities received evidence-based information and were able to make informed choices.