As Valentine’s Day approaches, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) is reminding Nigerians that love should go hand in hand with safety and responsibility.
In a statement on Tuesday, Head, Public Relations and Protocol, NACA, Mrs Toyin Aderibigbe, emphasized that HIV remains a serious public health concern but is preventable.
She warned that risky behaviours such as unprotected sex, multiple partners, and substance use that impair judgment increase the risk of HIV transmission.
Mrs Aderibigbe, stressed the importance of regular HIV testing and urged Nigerians to know their status as part of a healthy lifestyle.
“We want everyone to enjoy Valentine’s Day while making choices that protect their health. “HIV is preventable, and we have the tools to stop its spread. Love responsibly, get tested, and make informed decisions,” the statement read.
She also encouraged people to take advantage of the free HIV testing available at government-owned hospitals and to access more information on HIV prevention, testing, and treatment by visiting the agency’s website or calling the HIV toll-free line 6222.