With Valentine’s Day around the corner, love is in the air, but so is the need for caution. The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) is calling on Nigerians to celebrate responsibly, emphasizing health and safety to prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Amidst the romance and festivities, the agency warns against risky behaviors that could have lasting consequences.
Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director General of NACA, issued this appeal in a statement released in Abuja. She stressed that while HIV remains a significant public health concern, it is entirely preventable with the right precautions.
“Engaging in risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex, multiple partners, or substance use that impairs judgment can increase the risk of HIV transmission,” Ilori warned. She urged Nigerians to get tested regularly, as “knowing your status is key to protecting yourself and others.”
NACA encouraged individuals to incorporate HIV testing into their routine healthcare practices. Ilori noted that the agency’s goal is to promote awareness while ensuring that Nigerians celebrate Valentine’s Day safely and responsibly.
In a related development, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has called on Nigerians to embrace condom use as an essential tool in preventing new HIV infections. The organization announced plans to commemorate International Condom Day (ICD) on February 13 in Lokoja, Kogi State, with a series of awareness campaigns, free condom distribution, and educational activities.
According to AHF Nigeria, condom use has declined in many regions despite the alarming rate of STI transmission. UNAIDS reports that over 1.3 million were newly infected with HIV in 2023, and the figure keeps increasing every year. Given these statistics, AHF emphasized that prioritizing prevention efforts is crucial to ending HIV/AIDS. In other news, iNaijanow shared a post about the federal government’s commitment to invest in the production of local HIV test kits.
“Condoms are a simple yet powerful way to stay safer,” the foundation stated. “Ending HIV/AIDS requires reducing new cases, and that cannot happen without promoting condom use.”
The initiative in Lokoja will include engaging sessions designed to highlight the effectiveness of condoms in preventing HIV and other infections. AHF Nigeria urged individuals, especially young people, to participate and learn more about safe practices.
Health officials continue to stress the importance of raising awareness about HIV prevention. The Nigerian government, through agencies like NACA, has intensified efforts to reduce new infections by advocating for regular testing and responsible sexual behavior.
Experts highlight that HIV prevention strategies must be multi-faceted, combining public education, easy access to testing, and widespread distribution of protection tools such as condoms. They also emphasize that the stigma surrounding HIV testing and prevention must be addressed to ensure more people take advantage of available resources.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, NACA and AHF Nigeria urge Nigerians to celebrate with care. Prioritizing health, making informed choices, and accessing available prevention methods remain critical in reducing the spread of HIV and other STIs.
“HIV is preventable, and we have the tools to stop its spread,” Ilori said. “Love responsibly, get tested, and make informed decisions.”
