General News, Health
THE AIDS Healthcare Foundation, AHF, Tuesday distributed thousands of free condoms to Makurdi residents, to mark the 2024 International Condom Day with a promise to establish Sexually Transmitted Infections, STIs, clinics in the state and Abuja.
Speaking at the end of the Foundation’s roadshow in Makurdi, the AHF Advocacy and Marketing Manager, Steve Aborishade said the celebration provided AHF the opportunity to further educate the people on the dangers of unprotected sex and the benefits of condom use.
He said the celebration with the theme “Just use it” was being held ahead of February 14 Valentine’s Day to educate the youths on the importance of condom use to prevent STIs, and HIV on the day.
He said: “This day is being celebrated a day before the celebration of Valentine’s Day which usually witnesses sex among the celebrants. So we are educating the youths through this campaign on the dangers of STIs, and the importance of safe sex with the use of condoms which is the key essence of today.
“The International Condom Day allows us to reach out to the people to use condoms to protect themselves when they are having sex.
“Besides, we are also advising young people to abstain from sex. Abstinence is the best decision you can take. Though for majority of the young people that is a tall order so that is why we are saying if you cannot abstain, then you must use a condom.
“Another way we are intervening is through the establishment of STI clinics in Benue and Abuja which will be done in the year because we know the challenges people are facing. In fact, some have STI without knowing it. That is indeed a challenge.”
The Benue State Commissioner for Woman Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ann Itodo represented by the Director, Women Affairs, Mrs. Magdalene Andor commended AHF for its intervention in the state and for leading the advocacy and awareness campaign for the use of condoms and prevention of STIs.
She assured that her Ministry would continue to partner with AHF and other relevant agencies and organisations to sensitise and educate the youths on the dangers of STI and HIV.
The Prevention Unit Lead of APIN Public Health Initiatives, Mrs. Lucy Terngu who also informed that her organization was collaborating with AHF in the campaign said the advocacy was aimed at ensuring consistent use of the condom.
She said, “This helps to ensure that you do not contact STIs and HIV. That is why this campaign is important. It will help people know about condoms and their use. So we urge the people to key into the massage and stay safe.”
The AHF Prevention Coordinator for Benue State, Amina Yaji, said the day was primarily to educate the public on the dangers of STIs “and it gives us the opportunity to empower the public on the use of condoms. It is not only to use it but to use it consistently and appropriately. And we are doing this with other partners.”
VANGUARD
13th February, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: AIDS Healthcare Foundation Steve Aborishade
