THE National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has warned Nigerians on the link between Valentine Day celebrations, unprotected sex and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).Director General of NACA, Prof. John Idoko, in a statement made available to The Guardian encourages Nigerians both in the city and rural areas to avoid engaging in risky behaviours especially this season of Valentine celebrations.Idoko said, 'the agency will like to use this season of love to inform Nigerians to share and show love responsibly, by doing this we can halt and reverse the spread of HIV in Nigeria.'The day (Valentine Day, February 14) is about demonstrating love and gratitude to the important people in our lives, often through gestures of affection such as flowers, boxes of chocolate, perfumes, among other gift items.'Unfortunately, however, there is a worrisome aspect now festering during Valentine celebration and this is the indiscriminate sexual activities and other negative activities on this day, which can lead to uninformed decision making.'Idoko said NACA as an agency saddled with the responsibility of ensuring the halt of HIV spread in the country is advising the public that in addition to romantic sweets and thoughtful gifts, Nigerians can also demonstrate their love and care for one another by asking three simple questions: Do I engage in unprotected sex' Do I know my HIV status' Am I faithful to one faithful partner'He said the high prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS among adults and youth in the country calls for Nigerians to engage in the discussion of safe sex, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and HIV/AIDS prevention by engaging in these important conversations, individuals and partners will be in a better position to determine the way to protect one another from infection, as well as, show that they really care about the health and wellbeing of each other.Idoko said it is important to remember the all year round 'ABC' messaging approach in HIV, abstinence (not engaging in sex, or delaying first sex), be faithful to one partner and condomise by use of condom for any (and all) sexual engagements.He further explained, 'use condom correctly, consistently and always. It is also good to note that safe sex is not just about protecting oneself, but also about protecting those we love. As a country, we all must come together with our partners and loved ones to take the essential steps to protect ourselves get tested and get the results as part of our regular health monitoring so that our health as a nation will improve.''As parents, we must be bold and ready to discuss sexual reproductive issues with our wards, building confidence and trust with our wards is as important as ensuring the quality education and information they need to make the right choices in life.'The youth on their part must ensure that they seek for correct and factual information at all times. Issues relating to sexual reproductive health should be tackled with ultimate seriousness and all the youth across Nigeria must take as a matter of urgency and relevance to know their HIV status and encourage their peers to know their status as well. In truth prevention is cheaper and better than cure also it's an entry point to treatment, care and support.
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