FG debunks fake claim of 86% HIV prevalence in Port Harcourt

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has warned Nigerians against a fabricated graphic circulating online claiming that HIV prevalence in Port Harcourt has “risen to 86%.”

In a statement released via X on Sunday, the ministry described the information as false and emphasised that it does not reflect any official health statistics.

“No state in Nigeria has an HIV prevalence rate anywhere near the figures quoted. The Ministry has not issued any such advisory, and the wording, numbers, and format circulating are not consistent with official communication,” the statement read.

“Verified data on HIV prevalence can be found through the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), and periodic publications of the Ministry,” it added.

The graphic, which is circulating online, mimics the ministry’s branding and claims that HIV rates in Port Harcourt have risen from 43% to 86%, with over 180,000 females and 456,000 males affected, and 40% of cases among those aged 16 to 25.

It also ends with a purported public announcement declaring the city “not safe” and advising caution and protection measures.

The ministry urged the public to disregard the fake post, avoid sharing unverified health information, and rely only on official channels for accurate updates.

It reiterated its commitment to providing Nigerians with reliable, evidence-based health information to protect and improve public health.(Punch)