The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has issued a statement ahead of Valentine’s Day, advising Nigerians to celebrate love in a safe and responsible manner.
Valentine’s Day, which falls on February 14 every year, is a popular occasion to share love and gifts with one’s partner or loved ones.
However, NACA warned that the celebration of love should not come at the expense of one’s health and well-being, especially in light of the ongoing global health situation.
The statement, signed by Toyin Aderibigbe, the Head of the Public Relations and Protocol unit of NACA, quoted the Director General of the agency, Dr. Gambo Aliyu, as saying:
“As people celebrate love on Valentine’s Day, we want everyone to enjoy it while prioritizing their well-being. NACA encourages individuals to adopt a comprehensive approach to love, which includes open communication, mutual respect, and responsible choices.”
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Dr. Aliyu also stressed the importance of incorporating protection into intimate moments, undergoing regular HIV testing and engaging in conversations about sexual health with one’s partner.
He said that these measures would not only benefit one’s personal health, but also contribute to the broader goal of building safer and healthier communities.
“Love is a powerful force, and by embracing responsible practices, we can ensure that it enriches our lives without compromising our health. NACA is dedicated to providing resources, information, and support to empower individuals in making informed choices,” he added.
NACA also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a healthy and responsible celebration of love, and announced that it would conduct comprehensive awareness campaigns on Valentine’s Day to educate the public about the significance of both abstinence and safe sex practices.