HIV/AIDS: Knowing your status can save your life – NACA
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has called on all Nigerians to undergo counseling and testing for HIV/ AIDS, saying that they need not fear issues of stigmatization as their rights is now protected by law.
In a message to celebrate, “world day for safety and health at work” the Director General of NACA, Professor John Idoko noted knowledge is key to prevention of any disease and knowing ones status avail one of quickly seeking treatment early which could save one’s life.
“NACA would like to urge Nigerians on this day to take charge by undergoing HIV/ AIDS counselling and testing to know their status. Testing is key to combating the spread of the virus as it provides persons infected with HIV/AIDS an opportunity to get early medication, while non-infected persons can know their status to enable them stay and live positive”.
“The issue of stigma and discrimination has been a huge impeding factor in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. This,has encroached deeply into our communities as people fear the need to know and disclose their status. However, with thepassage of the Bill to prevent stigma and discrimination, it is our hope and belief that it would go a long way in protecting individuals living with the virus at home and in our various places of work,” he said.
According to him the HIV virus cannot be contracted through, sharing of writing materials or files, eating together, shaking of hands or hugging but advised that workers can curb the spread of HIV/AIDS through, total abstinence from sexual activities that put one at risk, being faithful to one partner, use of condom during sexual intercourse, avoidance of sharing sharp objects and contact with exposed and unscreened blood.