Valentine’s Day: Avoid Unprotected Sex, Multiple Partners – NACA

Photo Credit: You Tubevalentine

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has warned Nigerians, especially youths against unprotected sex and multiple sex partners as they celebrate Valentine’s day on February 14.

The Director General, NACA, Sani Aliyu, issued the warning in a statement released by the Head, Public Relations and Protocol of the agency, Toyin Aderibigbe, in Abuja on Monday.

He advised Nigerians to love with caution, know their HIV status, avoid multiple sexual partners, and always use protection for avert Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), HIV and unwanted pregnancies for those that can not practice total abstinence.

He said, “As we express love on this day, remember to love wisely. As members of the wider society, your health and productivity is vital to the future of our country.

“I urge you also to take advantage of the spirit of love and togetherness that the Valentine’s Day signifies to know your HIV status.’’

“It is important to reduce this worrying trend among Nigerian youths by encouraging faithful relationships; for those who cannot abstain from sex, the use of barrier protection such as condoms is advised. Condoms prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), HIV and unwanted pregnancies.

“The practice of having multiple sexual partners increases HIV vulnerability among the youth population alongside the very low HIV testing rates.

“It is worthwhile to know that only 17 per cent of young people know their HIV status; as such this is alarming enough to make them avoid risky behaviours. They should share love and not HIV,’’ the NACA boss said.