US officials criticized for map error at Brazil health conference

U.S. officials faced criticism after a map displayed at a major health conference in Brazil incorrectly labeled several African nations, leading to widespread online commentary and sharing of the error.

The inaccurate map was shown during a presentation on a controversial U.S. health agreement with African countries at the AIDS 2026 conference in Rio de Janeiro. Videos and screenshots of the map, which incorrectly placed Nigeria in the Sahara region, Mozambique in the Horn of Africa, and Ivory Coast in the opposite side of the continent, quickly circulated online, drawing thousands of views and sharp criticism.

Further inaccuracies included distorted national borders that did not resemble actual boundaries. Jeff Graham, a senior U.S. health official and head of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), was reportedly speaking during the presentation where the map was displayed. A Reuters review of the map indicated it may have been generated using OpenAI tools, evidenced by a watermark.

The U.S. State Department acknowledged the unintentional mistake. In a statement, the department explained that the map was prepared by a team member who was rushing to modify slides before the event. "We take full responsibility for the confusion and inaccurate representation caused to participants, including our partners in Africa," the statement read.