ENSACA Debunks Viral HIV Report, Launches Probe Into Alleged 4,100 Positive Cases in Enugu

The Enugu State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ENSACA) has dismissed as unverified a viral social media report claiming that over 4,100 people tested HIV-positive at a health facility in Enugu State, announcing that it has commenced an investigation to uncover the source of the false claim.

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According to the Agency, preliminary investigations have yielded no evidence to support the report. ENSACA said it has been unable to identify the health facility where the alleged tests were conducted, while the blogger responsible for publishing the story reportedly failed to provide any credible evidence or verifiable source to back the claim.

Describing the publication as misleading and irresponsible, the Agency warned that the spread of unverified HIV-related information could fuel stigma, trigger unnecessary public panic, and undermine ongoing efforts to combat the disease in the state.

Speaking on the development, the Executive Secretary of ENSACA, Dr. Rita Emeh, said HIV remains a serious public health issue that should not be exploited through sensational or unsubstantiated reports.

She stressed that official HIV statistics should only be obtained from the government agency responsible for HIV surveillance and control, noting that the circulation of false figures only creates fear, confusion, and misinformation among the public.

Dr. Emeh called on bloggers, journalists, media practitioners, and social media influencers to uphold the ethics of responsible journalism by verifying facts before publication. She also warned that anyone found deliberately spreading false information capable of causing public alarm could face legal consequences under relevant laws.

The ENSACA boss further urged residents of Enugu State to prioritise regular HIV testing, practise safe and responsible sexual behaviour, access available treatment and support services where necessary, and rely solely on verified public health information.

Reaffirming the Agency’s commitment to evidence-based HIV prevention and control, Dr. Emeh assured residents that ENSACA would continue to provide accurate information and quality healthcare interventions.

The Agency, therefore, advised the public to disregard the viral report and obtain HIV-related information only from official government sources and other credible public health channels.