The Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Gambo Aliyu has urged Nigerians to know their HIV status and avoid risky behaviours during the Valentine’s season.
Dr. Aliyu was quoted as saying this yesterday, in an issued statement signed by the Head of Public Relations and Protocol of the Agency, Toyin Aderibigbe.
The NADA DG said it is important to reduce the trend of new HIV infection in Nigerian youths through abstinence, and the use of condoms.
Valentine’s Day is celebrated annually on February 14 to share love and gifts.
According to him, the valentine period is observed to witness a high rate of indiscriminate sexual activities and other amoral behaviours that lead to uninformed decisions leading to a high risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
The NACA boss further reiterated that it is important to reduce the trend of new HIV infection in Nigerian youths through preaching abstinence, and for those who cannot abstain, to use a condom, which prevents STDs including HIV and unwanted pregnancies.
“As we express love on this day, remember to love wisely. As members of the wider society, your health and productivity are vital to the future of our country. So, I urge you to avoid risky behaviors as we commemorate Valentine’s Day. Love wisely, share love, not HIV”, he emphasised.
