The Enugu State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ENSACA) has commenced an investigation into the widely circulated social media reports alleging that over 4,100 people tested HIV-positive in a health facility in Enugu State.
Preliminary findings by the Agency indicate that all efforts to identify the source of the information and the health facility where the alleged tests were conducted have been unsuccessful. Furthermore, the blogger who published the report could not provide any credible evidence or verifiable source to substantiate the claim.
ENSACA strongly condemns the publication and circulation of unverified, misleading, and data-deficient information on HIV/AIDS. Such misinformation is capable of creating unnecessary panic, fueling stigma and discrimination, and undermining ongoing public health interventions.
The Executive Secretary of ENSACA, Dr. Rita Emeh (PT) stated that while HIV remains a public health concern, the dissemination of unverified statistics serves no useful purpose and only creates fear and confusion within the society. He emphasized that all official HIV-related data and statistics should be obtained from the appropriate government agency responsible for HIV control and surveillance.
Dr. Emeh, therefore, urged bloggers, media practitioners, social media influencers, and members of the public to exercise responsibility by verifying information before publication. He warned that anyone found deliberately spreading false or misleading information capable of causing public alarm may be liable under the relevant provisions of the law.
The Executive Secretary further encouraged residents of Enugu State to adopt healthy lifestyles, abstain from risky sexual behaviours, practise safe sex, undergo regular HIV testing, and promptly access treatment and support services where necessary. He reassured the public that ENSACA remains committed to providing accurate information, quality HIV prevention services, and evidence-based interventions aimed at controlling the spread of HIV in the state.
ENSACA urges the public to disregard the unverified report currently circulating online and to rely only on information released through official and credible channels.
