Nigeria promotes PrEP to strengthen HIV prevention response

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) is promoting Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) as a vital component of Nigeria’s HIV prevention strategy. During a media training workshop in Lagos, health officials emphasized the importance of PrEP—a medication taken by HIV-negative individuals to reduce the risk of infection—and the need for accurate public health communication to combat stigma.

NACA Director-General Dr. Temitope Ilori highlighted that while Nigeria has made progress in HIV testing and treatment, preventive measures are essential. The agency is working to engage media professionals to ensure evidence-based information reaches vulnerable populations, particularly through digital and social media platforms.

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) is currently collaborating with NACA on a PrEP pilot program. This initiative is being implemented across several states, including Anambra, Benue, Gombe, Rivers, Cross River, Kwara, Ebonyi, and Akwa Ibom, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.