Know your HIV status – Ogun govt, UNESCO to NYSC members

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, has sensitised no fewer than 5,000 corps members serving in Ogun State on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, SRHR, HIV and AIDS as part of efforts to promote health and well-being among Nigerian youths.

The sensitisation, held on Monday at the Ogun NYSC orientation camp, Sagamu, was facilitated under UNESCO’s Education for Health and Well-being project.

DAILY POST reports that the initiative is designed to equip young people with accurate information to make informed decisions about their health and future.

Speaking at the event, UNESCO Consultant on the project, Mr Akinpelu Akintayo, said one of the Sexual and Reproductive Health challenges that the country has continued to face is the issue of HIV and AIDS.

He maintained that the focus goes beyond HIV, but total reproductive health, charging them to seek knowledge and take responsibility for their health.

“Aside from all other health indices people go through, reproductive health is not by choice. It’s something we all must go through. If young people are not taught how to manage it properly, they will find it difficult,” he stated.

“We are not just talking about HIV but your reproductive health as a whole. Get the knowledge and make informed decisions around your health, which will ensure that you are okay. The more you know your status, the more you are able to live longer,” he added.

Akintayo commended the Ogun State Agency for the Control of AIDS, OGSACA, for its efforts but called on the state government to do more by providing adequate HIV test kits.

The UNESCO consultant also emphasised the need for regular medical check ups and urged Nigerians to support people living with HIV, saying “HIV is not a death sentence. For those infected, constant use of drugs can suppress the virus and enable them live normal, healthy lives,” Akintayo noted.

In a practical session, facilitator Damilola Shodiya demonstrated the correct use of male and female condoms to prevent infection and unwanted pregnancies.

He noted that HIV cannot be seen on the face, stressing that prevention is key to reducing the spread of HIV and other STIs among youths and advised corps members to cultivate personal hygiene habits, particularly avoiding the sharing of sharp objects.

“HIV does not show on the face, the test is available in all government and some private facilitates here in Ogun State and it is free of charge.

“Please ensure you get tested to know your status. Have your personal belongings; get your personal clippers, needles and other sharp objects, practice abstinence and avoid unprotected sexual intercourse to avoid getting infected. Use the correct and consistent use of condom, your health is your responsibility,” he concluded.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary OGSACA, Dr Kehinde Fatungase, urged intending couples to get tested before getting married, stating that even if found positive, they can get married and regularly use the PMTCT drugs to avoid transferring the virus to their child.

He disclosed that youths contact the infection everyday, stressing the need for adequate prevention, noting that they must prevent, protect themselves and save future generations.

Responding to a questions from the corpers, the ES explained that HIV cannot be contacted through oral sex except there are bruises or cut.