As Nigerians prepare for Valentine’s Day celebration tomorrow, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has urged them to prioritise their safety and well-being while expressing affection.
The director-general (DG) of NACA, Dr Aliyu Gambo, who gave the piece of advice in a statement yesterday, advocated for regular HIV testing and conversions around sexual health by partners.
He said these measures contribute not only to personal health but also to the broader goal of building safer and healthier communities.
Gambo said, “As people celebrate love on Valentine’s Day, we want everyone to enjoy it while prioritizing their well-being.
“Love is a powerful force and by embracing responsible practices, we can ensure that it enriches our lives without compromising our health.
“NACA encourages individuals to adopt a comprehensive approach to love, which includes open communication, mutual respect, and responsible choices,” Gambo stated.
Nigeria currently has 1.8 million persons estimated to be living with HIV, of which about 1.63million are already on treatment.
Expressing the agency ‘s commitment to providing resources, information, and support to empower individuals in making informed choices, the DG said, “This Valentine’s Day, NACA will conduct comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate the public about the significance of both abstinence and safe sex practices, ensuring everyone stays well-informed.”