Culled from punch
Valentine’s Day is the day that many people show gratitude and share love with their partners.
Operators of gift shops, supermarkets and
pharmacies have been laughing all the way to the bank since the
beginning of this auspicious week, what with the increased patronage of
assorted items such as perfumes, cakes and other confectioneries. This is also the day that many express their love not just emotionally but also physically to their spouses and loved ones.
No doubt, the social and psychological
pressure to get intimate with someone on Valentine’s Day is obvious,
considering the various advertisements by many hotels who are offering
juicy packages for couples.
That many will share intimacy with people
without much ado today is a given, but experts note that we must watch
it. They say that there are many ways to say ‘I love you’ without being
reckless or contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
The Director-General, National Agency
for the Control of AIDS, Prof. John Idoko, states that though it is the
season to show love, it is also important to desist from activities
that could put you or your loved ones at a risk of contracting HIV or
sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy.
Idoko notes that, over time, researchers
have discovered that the number of indiscriminate sexual activities and
other negative activities that occur on February 14 is usually high
among adolescents and teenagers, predisposing them to infections and
unplanned pregnancies. Although the temptation is great, these
are not the times for young people to engage in premarital sex. Idoko
says adolescents who do so are more likely to have multiple partners, a
situation that increases their risks for infections.
He says they should either abstain from
or delay premarital sex till they are old enough to make informed
decisions about physical intimacy for their own good.
For those who are in one relationship or
the other, Idoko says, staying faithful to your partner would reduce
your risks of contracting sexually transmitted diseases significantly.
Whatever age group you fall into or your
status, the NACA boss says if you are sexually active, you must not
forget to practise safe sex by using condoms.
He says, “Nigerians should make informed decisions about their sexual engagements in order to halt the spread of the virus. We must remember to be principled by abstaining, or indulging only in protected sex at this period of love sharing.
“It is also worthy to remind us on the ABC approach to HIV/AIDS prevention. This concept, in its basic form, suggests prevention, education, and health promotion which provide simple steps in curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS.”
Alcohol has been identified as a major
catalyst in the spread of HIV/AIDS among sexually active people. Either
good or bad, alcohol intake does influence an individual’s judgments and
perceptions.
Idoko says alcohol consumption has been
linked to risky sexual behaviour such as forgoing condoms during sex,
which puts people at a higher risk of sexually transmitted infections or
unwanted pregnancies.
He says, “The high prevalence rate of
HIV/AIDS among youths calls for the need to abstain and desist from
heavy intake of alcohol, which distorts thinking, thereby putting them
at risk of contracting the virus.
“We call on youths in particular to practise safe sex, engage in the war against STDs and HIV/AIDS prevention.”
Parents can no longer shy away from sex
talk, Idoko warns; noting that they have a role to play in reducing
sexual recklessness among young people.
He recommends that parents should take
time to discuss sexual reproductive issues and dating activities with
their children. He also counsels them to make informed decision on their
sexual relations with people.
Idoko states, “Issues relating to sexual
reproductive health should be tackled seriously. Nigerians across the
country are hereby encouraged to know their HIV status by getting tested
and to also encourage their peers to get tested as well.
“As we celebrate love, it is good to note that safe sex is not just about protecting oneself, but also protecting those we love.
“As a nation, we must come together with our partners and loved ones to discuss HIV/AIDS epidemic and, above all, get tested.”
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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