Many Nigerians look forward to celebrating love with their partners, friends, and family as Valentine’s Day approaches. But the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has a message for them: be careful and responsible.
NACA’s tips for a healthy Valentine’s Day
In a statement released on Thursday, NACA urged Nigerians to protect themselves and prioritize their well-being while expressing affection during the Valentine’s season. The agency said it aims to create an environment where love is celebrated responsibly, fostering a community that is both supportive and health-conscious.
“NACA encourages individuals to adopt a comprehensive approach to love, which includes open communication, mutual respect, and responsible choices,” said Dr. Gambo Aliyu, the Director General of NACA.
He also advised the public to incorporate protection into intimate moments, undergo regular HIV testing, and engage in conversations about sexual health with their partners. According to him, these measures contribute to personal health and the broader goal of building safer and healthier communities.
“Love is a powerful force, and by embracing responsible practices, we can ensure that it enriches our lives without compromising our health. NACA is dedicated to providing resources, information, and support to empower individuals in making informed choices,” he added.
The challenges of Valentine’s Day amid a pandemic
The Valentine’s season comes at a time when Nigeria is facing a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed over 1,500 lives and infected more than 130,000 people in the country. The government has imposed restrictions on social gatherings, travel, and entertainment to curb the spread of the virus.
But some Nigerians are still planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their loved ones, despite the health risks. Some have booked hotels, restaurants, and cinemas, while others have ordered gifts, flowers, and chocolates online.
NACA warned that such activities could increase the chances of contracting and transmitting not only COVID-19 but also other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. The agency said that Nigerians should adhere to the preventive guidelines issued by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), such as wearing face masks, washing hands, and maintaining physical distance.
The state of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria
According to the latest data from NACA, Nigeria has an estimated 1.9 million people living with HIV, with a prevalence rate of 1.4% among adults aged 15-49 years. The country accounts for about 9% of the global HIV burden and ranks second after South Africa in terms of the number of people living with the virus.
NACA said that it has made significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with increased access to testing, treatment and prevention services. The agency said that it has reduced the number of new infections by 48% and the number of AIDS-related deaths by 35% between 2010 and 2019.
However, NACA acknowledged that there are still challenges and gaps that need to be addressed, such as stigma, discrimination, gender inequality, and funding. The agency said that it is working with various stakeholders, including the government, civil society, private sector, and international partners, to achieve the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
A message of hope
As Nigerians prepare to mark Valentine’s Day, NACA urged them to remember that love is not only about romance, but also about compassion, solidarity, and care. The agency said that Nigerians should use the occasion to show support to those who are affected by HIV/AIDS and other health issues and to appreciate the efforts of the frontline workers who are risking their lives to save others.
NACA also expressed optimism that Nigeria will overcome the current challenges posed by the pandemic and the HIV epidemic, and emerge stronger and healthier as a nation.
“We are confident that with the collective will and commitment of all Nigerians, we can defeat COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS, and enjoy a better future together. We wish you all a happy and healthy Valentine’s Day,” NACA said.
Source: Punch
