A US government map of Africa is drawing criticism after it mislabeled every country during a State Department presentation at the AIDS 2026 conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. According to multiple reports, the incorrect chart was displayed during a talk related to the State Department’s new health agreements. Attendees reportedly took screenshots and shared images online, spreading the mistake widely during the conference.
Reuters reviewed footage of the presentation, which shows the map appearing midway through the session. In response to the error and the subsequent attention, the State Department is reported to be taking responsibility for the erroneous chart. The reports describe the map as having incorrect labels across all countries shown, prompting concern among conference participants.
The incident highlights how a single graphic used in an official setting can quickly circulate in the digital age, especially at large international events where attendees actively document proceedings.
