The US State Department acknowledges “an unfortunate error” after a presentation at the International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026) in Rio de Janeiro displayed an inaccurate map of Africa, prompting screenshots and online criticism. Multiple outlets report that the map mislabels every highlighted country on the slide, including examples such as Ivory Coast being placed in the wrong region and Nigeria shown as landlocked, with other countries also incorrectly positioned. The slide is shown during a State Department session connected to the agency’s international health programming. Attendees reportedly took photos and posted them online, widening attention to the mistake.
According to reports, the State Department takes “full responsibility” for the confusion and misrepresentation it caused, and states it remains committed to fighting AIDS. Outlets also say the department attributes the problem to issues with the preparation and last-minute changes to the slide deck ahead of the session. The incident draws scrutiny amid broader discussions about US global HIV/AIDS programme direction and administration changes.
