NACA rejects circulated state-by-state HIV figures, warns against misinterpretation

Ilori stressed that HIV data cannot be independently extracted and published without due process, noting that strict protocols exist to ensure accuracy and proper interpretation.

“There are clearly defined protocols governing access to such data to ensure that it is properly analysed, contextualised, and accurately communicated to the public,” she said, warning that deviation from these procedures could lead to “misinterpretation and misuse of sensitive public health information.”

NACA explained that while the figures circulating online may have been sourced from the National Data Repository dashboard, they only reflect HIV positivity among individuals tested in health facilities.

The agency cautioned that such figures do not represent the actual burden of HIV across states.

“HIV positivity alone is not a valid measure of HIV prevalence or incidence and, as such, cannot be used to determine or rank the burden of HIV,” the DG said.

She added that variations in the data may be influenced by differences in population size, testing coverage, and reporting completeness across states.

According to her, any attempt to rank states based solely on the circulated figures is misleading.

“Accordingly, any comparison or ranking of states based solely on these figures is misleading, inaccurate, and invalid,” she said.

Ilori reiterated that only authorised government institutions have the mandate to generate, interpret, and disseminate HIV data and estimates.

She also advised individuals and organisations seeking HIV-related information to follow due process by submitting formal requests for verified data.