Victor EzejaAs the world celebrates Valentine’s Day, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), has warned Nigerians against conduct that could expose them to contracting deadly diseases like HIV.
Director-General, NACA, Gambo Aliyu, gave the advice in a statement he signed, noting that many people indulge in sexual intercourse on Valentine’s Day, and completely misconstruing the real meaning and purpose of the day’s celebration.
He advised people especially the youth to express love within the context of caring deeply for their loved ones with intention to protect them from all forms of harm and avoiding risk factors that could make them vulnerable to HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).
He urged youths to live virtuous and productive life and be healthy to make significant positive contributions to nation building.
“As we express love for our partners during this Valentine’s Day, remember to love wisely.
“As members of a wider society, your health and productivity count to both your nuclear, extended families and the entire country.
“Nigeria stands to benefit from the pool of your contributions. So I urge you to desist from practices that might expose you to risks of contracting HIV/AIDS and/or other STDs as we commemorate these special days. Once again, I urge you to love wisely, share love and not the virus,” Gambo stated.
He stressed the need for Nigerian youths to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, other STDS and unwanted pregnancies through abstinence and use of protection like condom.
“ It has become important to ensure condom option is made available as a preventive measure to youths and people of reproductive age, who cannot abstain from sex, with new HIV infections highest among young people aged 15 to 24 years and with the national data suggesting that about 4.2 per cent of young people (ages 15-24) are living with HIV,” he added.
The NACA DG also advised Nigerians to go for HIV screening and know their status.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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