From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
A Non-Governmental Organisation, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has urged the people including adolescents to ensure they know their HIV status and avoid risky behaviours such as having multiple sexual partners, having unprotected sex among others.
Country Programme Director of AHF, Nigeria, Dr Eche Ijezie made the call during the commemoration of the 2024 World AIDS Day held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
In a statement issued to newsmen in Makurdi by the Advocacy and Marketing Manager AHF, Steve Aborishade, Ijezie stressed the need for adolescents including the youths to abstain from sex advising that where such was not possible, unprotected sexual acts or having multiple sexual partners should be avoided.
According to him, “we must ensure that we avoid risky sexual behaviours such as having multiple sexual partners, having unprotected sex and host of others. Everyone must know his or her status, the tests are for free, condoms are for free and available. So, we are encouraging everyone to test and know their status.
“Avoiding risky behaviours is crucial for adolescents and youths. We are also harping on comprehensive sexuality education targeted at adolescents and young, persons with the aim being to avoid Sexually Transmitted Infections, (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy”
He said a lot of success have been made over the years in the fight against HIV/AIDS, saying stronger commitments are needed to tackle the prevalence of the virus headlong.
His words, “Over the years, across the world and even in sub–Saharan Africa the statistics have fallen due to the concerted efforts by all partners and governments at all levels. Where we are now is not where we were before, a lot have improved, many have been placed on life saving medications and treatments.
“However, we are saying that the fight is not over, it is not time to rest on our oars, it is time for people to remember that we must fight this fight to the finish.
The Akwa Ibom state Coordinator for the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS, Mrs. Elizabeth Udoh, thanked AHF for the initiative and commended the organisation for carrying their partners along in the commemoration.
She also appreciated the Organization for commemorating the day in their catchment States especially in Akwa Ibom and for involving the youths and other partners adding “We are happy and we say thank you AHF.’’
The Executive Director of the Drug Free and Preventive Healthcare, Mrs Grace Umosen, who described the event as a great success, said they were happy to collaborate with AHF for the event, while appreciating them for the free HIV tests on offer and free condoms that were distributed to the people.