The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has vehemently denied a false claim circulating on social media regarding a high HIV prevalence rate during an outreach event in Abuja.
The agency conducted a thorough investigation and collaborated with various organizations, including The Nigerian Red Cross Society, Civil Society Organizations, Community Based Organizations, and other Implementing Partners, to confirm the statement as entirely baseless.
In a Twitter thread posted by NACA (@NACANigeria), the agency clarified that no outreach event had taken place in Abuja with a 60 per cent HIV prevalence rate.
The accurate data reveals that Abuja’s HIV prevalence rate stands at 0.8 per cent, while the nationwide prevalence rate for Nigeria is 1.3 per cent, according to the Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS).
There was no outreach conducted in Abuja, and the claim that 199 people tested positive out of 197 is false. The accurate data shows that Abuja's HIV prevalence rate remains at 1.3%, while Nigeria has a prevalence rate of 3%. #SayNoToMisinformation 2/9
— NACA Nigeria (@NACANigeria) July 30, 2023
NACA emphasized that such an extraordinarily high prevalence rate of 60 per cent is not possible in Nigeria or any other country.
The false claim has been forwarded to the appropriate authorities that deal with misinformation for necessary action.
NACA, as the leading agency responsible for the control of AIDS in Nigeria, reiterated its commitment to promoting safe sexual practices, including advocating for abstinence and the correct use of condoms to prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
It condemned the use of false statistics to drive critical public health messages, and stressed the importance of disseminating accurate information to effectively combat HIV/AIDS.
The agency called on all Nigerians to be faithful to their partners and consistently practice safe sex to protect themselves and others from HIV and other infections. It reminded the public that health is wealth, and encouraged everyone to take responsibility for their wellbeing.
We urge all Nigerians to be faithful to their partners and consistently practice safe sex to protect themselves and others from HIV and other infections. Remember, health is wealth, and each of us must take responsibility for our well-being. 7/9
— NACA Nigeria (@NACANigeria) July 30, 2023
To provide accurate information on HIV prevention, testing, or treatment, NACA urged individuals to reach out to their toll-free helpline at 6222. The helpline operates on Airtel, MTN, and 9mobile networks from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
NACA concluded by urging Nigerians to work together to create a healthier and more informed society, free from the burden of HIV/AIDS and misinformation.
The false claim, which misinformed the public, underscores the critical role of reliable and credible sources in disseminating information related to public health issues, especially in combating HIV/AIDS and its impact on communities.