The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has warned Nigerians against engaging in risky behaviours during Valentine’s Day celebrations, urging citizens to prioritise their health and safety as they express love and affection.
In a Valentine’s Day message, NACA stressed that the season of love should not become a period of increased vulnerability to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, noting that careless actions could have long-term health consequences.
The Director-General of NACA, Dr Temitope Ilori, called on Nigerians to make informed and responsible choices, including knowing their HIV status and encouraging their partners to do the same, as well as practising safe sex through the consistent and correct use of condoms.
Dr Ilori further advised against having multiple sexual partners and engaging in transactional sex, warning that such practices significantly increase the risk of HIV transmission and other sexually transmitted infections.
She also cautioned against excessive consumption of alcohol and other substances that may impair judgment, adding that poor decision-making during celebrations often exposes people to avoidable health risks.
Reaffirming NACA’s commitment to the national HIV response, Dr Ilori encouraged Nigerians to access HIV prevention, testing, treatment and counselling services at government health facilities nationwide, stressing that responsible choices today will help protect families and advance Nigeria’s goal of ending new HIV infections.