As Valentine’s Day draws near, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) is sending out a crucial message: love wisely, protect yourself, and safeguard your health.
With the season of romance often associated with increased intimacy, the agency is urging Nigerians to prioritize safety and responsibility to curb the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Dr. Temitope Ilori, NACA’s Director-General, emphasized the importance of making informed choices, stressing that while HIV remains a significant public health concern, it is entirely preventable. She urged Nigerians to embrace love with responsibility, ensuring that emotions don’t overshadow the need for protection.
The agency is particularly concerned about risky behaviors such as unprotected sex, having multiple sexual partners, and the use of substances that impair judgment—all of which heighten the chances of HIV transmission. In line with this, NACA’s campaign for this year carries a powerful message: “Love Wisely, Spread Love, Not HIV.”
Dr. Ilori also pointed out a troubling trend: the highest rate of new HIV infections in Nigeria is currently among young people aged 15 to 24. This alarming statistic underscores the need for greater awareness and preventive measures. NACA, therefore, encourages young Nigerians to maintain faithful relationships and, for those who choose to be sexually active, to adopt safer sex practices.
As lovers across the country prepare to celebrate, NACA reminds everyone that true love isn’t just about grand gestures and affection—it’s also about care, responsibility, and making informed choices. This Valentine’s Day, let love be a force for protection, not risk.
