The Institute of Human Virology in Nigeria (IHVN) has called on media practitioners to increase awareness of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Comfort Amina Ochigbo, Senior Programme Manager, Prevention, IHVN, made the appeal while addressing journalists and bloggers on demand generation for PrEP. She emphasized that the availability of PrEP services alone is not enough to guarantee uptake. According to Ochigbo, the media plays a critical role in bridging the gap between the availability of PrEP services and their actual use.
Ochigbo urged journalists to inform the public about the availability of PrEP services and provide accurate information on how to access them. She stressed that awareness must translate into action, and media reporting should cover the entire prevention "cascade". This includes availability, access, and continued use, rather than simply informing people that PrEP exists. By doing so, the media can encourage people to take advantage of PrEP services.
The IHVN official also called for a broader conversation on PrEP, emphasizing that it is not just for key populations. Ochigbo stated that PrEP is for all individuals at risk of HIV and should be discussed in relation to those who need it. She described journalists as advocates who can influence public understanding through the issues they prioritize and how they frame them.
Ochigbo warned against sensationalism in HIV reporting, cautioning that the search for attractive stories must not compromise accuracy. She urged journalists to avoid stigmatizing language and protect the privacy and confidentiality of people featured in HIV-related stories. Additionally, Ochigbo advised media practitioners to fact-check claims before publication and consult credible health experts when reporting medical issues.
The IHVN official cautioned against presenting individual experiences of side effects as general characteristics of PrEP, as this could fuel misinformation and discourage people from accessing prevention services. Instead, she urged journalists to direct people experiencing health concerns to healthcare facilities. Ochigbo advocated for a shift from fear-based HIV reporting to communication centered on prevention, benefits, and informed decision-making.
Ochigbo urged media organizations to use simple and locally understood language, target specific audiences, engage young people, and sustain HIV prevention coverage through regular programs and discussions. She encouraged participants to champion "consistent, stigma-free PrEP messages" across their platforms. Sustained collaboration between the media, health professionals, and program partners will be necessary to keep accurate information on HIV prevention in the public domain.
The goal of this collaboration is to help people know where and how to access available PrEP services. By working together, the media and health professionals can promote accurate information and encourage uptake of PrEP services. This will ultimately help to reduce the spread of HIV in Nigeria.
Key points
- Media practitioners are urged to promote accurate information on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and fight stigma.
- The Institute of Human Virology in Nigeria (IHVN) emphasizes that awareness of PrEP services must translate into action.
- Journalists are encouraged to champion consistent, stigma-free PrEP messages across their platforms.
