As Valentine’s Day approaches, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) is urging Nigerians to celebrate responsibly, taking conscious steps to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Dr Temitope Ilori, NACA’s Director-General, delivered the call in a Valentine’s Day message on Wednesday, stressing that health—both personal and of one’s partner—should never take a backseat during the season of love.
“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 advised Nigerians to know their HIV status through testing and to encourage partners to do the same. Safe sex practices, particularly consistent and correct use of condoms, remain crucial, she added.
Ilori also cautioned against risky behaviours such as having multiple sexual partners, transactional sex, and excessive alcohol or substance use, which can impair judgement and increase vulnerability to HIV.
The NACA boss reminded the public that government health facilities nationwide offer HIV prevention, treatment, and counselling services. She reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to expanding access to quality HIV care, in line with Nigeria’s goal of ending new infections.
For more information, Nigerians are encouraged to visit NACA’s website or call the HIV toll-free line, 6222.