Valentine’s Day is the day that many people show gratitude and share love with their partners.
Operators of gift shops, supermarkets and pharmacies have been laughing all the way to the bank since the beginning of this auspicious week, what with the increased patronage of assorted items such as perfumes, cakes and other confectioneries.
This is also the day that many express their love not just emotionally but also physically to their spouses and loved ones.
No doubt, the social and psychological pressure to get intimate with someone on Valentine’s Day is obvious, considering the various advertisements by many hotels who are offering juicy packages for couples.
That many will share intimacy with people without much ado today is a given, but experts note that we must watch it. They say that there are many ways to say ‘I love you’ without being reckless or contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
The Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Prof. John Idoko, states that though it is the season to show love, it is also important to desist from activities that could put you or your loved ones at a risk of contracting HIV or sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy.
Idoko notes that, over time, researchers have discovered that the number of indiscriminate sexual activities and other negative activities that occur on February 14 is usually high among adolescents and teenagers, predisposing them to infections and unplanned pregnancies.
Although the temptation is great, these are not the times for young people to engage in premarital sex. Idoko says adolescents who do so are more likely to have multiple partners, a situation that increases their risks for infections.
He says they should either abstain from or delay premarital sex till they are old enough to make informed decisions about physical intimacy for their own good.
For those who are in one relationship or the other, Idoko says, staying faithful to your partner would reduce your risks of contracting sexually transmitted diseases significantly.
Whatever age group you fall into or your status, the NACA boss says if you are sexually active, you must not forget to practise safe sex by using condoms.
He says, “Nigerians should make informed decisions about their sexual engagements in order to halt the spread of the virus. We must remember to be principled by abstaining, or indulging only in protected sex at this period of love sharing.
“It is also worthy to remind us on the ABC approach to HIV/AIDS prevention. This concept, in its basic form, suggests prevention, education, and health promotion which provide simple steps in curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS.”
Alcohol has been identified as a major catalyst in the spread of HIV/AIDS among sexually active people. Either good or bad, alcohol intake does influence an individual’s judgments and perceptions.
Idoko says alcohol consumption has been linked to risky sexual behaviour such as forgoing condoms during sex, which puts people at a higher risk of sexually transmitted infections or unwanted pregnancies.
He says, “The high prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS among youths calls for the need to abstain and desist from heavy intake of alcohol, which distorts thinking, thereby putting them at risk of contracting the virus.
“We call on youths in particular to practise safe sex, engage in the war against STDs and HIV/AIDS prevention.”
Parents can no longer shy away from sex talk, Idoko warns; noting that they have a role to play in reducing sexual recklessness among young people.
He recommends that parents should take time to discuss sexual reproductive issues and dating activities with their children. He also counsels them to make informed decision on their sexual relations with people.
Idoko states, “Issues relating to sexual reproductive health should be tackled seriously. Nigerians across the country are hereby encouraged to know their HIV status by getting tested and to also encourage their peers to get tested as well.
“As we celebrate love, it is good to note that safe sex is not just about protecting oneself, but also protecting those we love.
“As a nation, we must come together with our partners and loved ones to discuss HIV/AIDS epidemic and, above all, get tested.”
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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