The National Agency for the Control of AIDS has called on journalists to play a critical role in strengthening public understanding of HIV prevention in Nigeria. At a training session for journalists in Lagos, NACA's Director-General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, emphasized the importance of accurate and evidence-based reporting on HIV prevention options, particularly pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The training aimed to equip journalists with the tools to report accurately on lenacapavir as an innovative HIV prevention option.
The training session, which drew participants from eight states and the Federal Capital Territory, focused on expanding awareness of lenacapavir as an HIV prevention option. Dr. Ilori stressed that Nigeria's HIV response has evolved significantly over the years, with a critical component being prevention. She noted that PrEP is an effective HIV prevention option for people who are HIV-negative and may be at risk of acquiring HIV. The media, she said, has a critical role to play in ensuring that Nigerians have access to accurate, evidence-based, and life-saving information.
Dr. Ilori 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. The NACA DG 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, and where services can be accessed.
The 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. Dr. Ilori encouraged journalists to take advantage of digital platforms, particularly as young people increasingly obtain health information online. She emphasized the need for credible information to be available on platforms where Nigerians seek health information.
Dr. Ilori further encouraged journalists to challenge myths and develop compelling, evidence-based stories for various media platforms. She noted that the media must ensure that credible information was available on platforms where Nigerians seek health information. The NACA boss called for sustained collaboration between the agency, media organisations, development partners, and the wider digital communication community beyond the training.
The Director and National Coordinator of the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme, Dr. Adebobola Bashorun, 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. 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.
The National Strategic Plan 2023 to 2030 places emphasis on sustainability, innovation, stronger partnerships, and greater community engagement. Dr. Ilori called for sustained collaboration between NACA, media organisations, and development partners to take evidence-based information to communities, challenge misinformation, and increase awareness and demand for HIV prevention services. The training aims to contribute to the national response to HIV prevention and ensure that Nigerians have access to accurate information and prevention services.
Key points
- NACA urges journalists to intensify public awareness of HIV prevention options in Nigeria.
- The media has a critical role to play in strengthening public understanding of HIV prevention in Nigeria.
- Accurate and responsible media reporting is essential to building public understanding and trust in HIV prevention.
