Health Ministry Dismisses ‘86% HIV Prevalence’ in Port Harcourt

Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has dismissed a graphic circulating on social media that alleges HIV prevalence in Port Harcourt has risen to an alarming 86 percent.

The ministry described the claim as entirely fabricated and warned the public against sharing it.

In a statement, officials clarified that no state in Nigeria records an HIV prevalence rate anywhere close to the figure being circulated, stressing that the country’s verified data remains far below such levels.

The ministry added that it had not issued any advisory or report resembling the viral graphic, noting that the wording, format, and statistics used in the fake post do not match any official communication.

The government emphasized that credible data on HIV prevalence is available only through recognized channels such as the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), and routine publications of the Ministry of Health. Current national figures place HIV prevalence at roughly 1.4 percent, with state-by-state variations — none of which approach the exaggerated rate presented in the hoax.

Authorities urged Nigerians to disregard the false graphic, avoid spreading unverified health information, and rely solely on official sources for updates.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to providing accurate, evidence-based public health statistics while warning that misinformation of this type can fuel unnecessary panic and stigma.