AHF commemorates World AIDS Day, warns against risky behaviours

A Non-Governmental Organisation, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has urged Nigerians, especially youth and adolescents to ensure they know their HIV status and avoid risky behaviours.

The Country Programme Director of AHF, Nigeria, Dr Eche Ijezie advised on Monday during the commemoration of 2024 World AIDS Day in Uyo.

Ijezie emphasised the need for adolescents and youth to practice sex abstinence, stressing that where such was not possible, unprotected sexual intercourse or having multiple sexual partners should be highly avoided. 

World AIDS Day is observed annually on Dec. 1 to raise awareness about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome AIDS and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) across the world with the theme, “It’s Not Over Until It’s Defeated.

“We must ensure that there is an avoidance of risky behaviours, such as having multiple sexual partners, having unprotected sexual intercourse and a 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 know their status.

“The avoidance of risky behaviours is more important, for adolescents and youth.

“We are also talking of Comprehensive Sexuality Education targeted at the adolescents and young population who may be involved with risky behaviours.

“The ultimate aim is to help avoid Sexually Transmitted Infections,” he said.

The country programme director added that a lot of gains had been made over the years in fighting against HIV/AIDS.

He, however, said that more commitments are needed to tackle the prevalence of the virus headlong.

“Over the years from the beginning across the world and even in sub-Saharan Africa the statistics have fallen as the result of the concerted efforts by all partners and governments at all levels.

“Where we are now is not where we were in 2023, a lot has improved, and many have been placed on life-saving medications.

“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 young people are being educated to ensure total abstinence,” he said.

One of the participants, Mr Joseph Umoh, who came for counselling and testing said he was very happy to know his HIV status.

Umoh urges others yet to know their HIV status to endeavour to go and be tested to know their status.

Our correspondent reports that highpoint of the event was free counselling, testing and distribution of condoms free to participants and passersby.

The event also witnessed medical talks, road walk by AHF team and participants across Four Lane and water fountains roundabout in Uyo metropolis.