As Valentine’s Day draws near, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has called on Nigerians to prioritize their health and safety while celebrating love, urging them to take deliberate steps to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Delivering the message in a Valentine’s Day address on Wednesday, NACA’s Director-General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, emphasized that love should always be expressed with responsibility and care for one’s partner.
“Let love be guided by responsibility. Knowing your status and protecting yourself and others is a powerful way to show you care,” Ilori said.
She encouraged Nigerians to get tested regularly and to motivate their partners to do the same, noting that knowing one’s HIV status remains a vital step in preventing transmission. According to her, practising safe sex, especially through the consistent and correct use of condoms, is still one of the most effective protective measures.
The NACA boss also warned against high-risk behaviours, including having multiple sexual partners, engaging in transactional sex, and excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs, which could weaken judgment and increase exposure to HIV.
Ilori further reminded citizens that public health facilities across the country provide free and accessible HIV prevention, treatment, and counselling services.
She reaffirmed NACA’s commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare as part of Nigeria’s drive to eliminate new HIV infections.
She urged Nigerians seeking more information or support to visit NACA’s official website or contact the HIV toll-free helpline on 6222.
According to her, celebrating love should go hand in hand with protecting lives, stressing that responsible choices today can help secure a healthier future for individuals and the nation.
