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

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recently educated over 5,000 corps members serving in Ogun State on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, HIV and AIDS. This was part of UNESCO's initiative, under the Education for Health and Well-being project, to promote health and well-being among Nigerian youths.

UNESCO's Consultant, Mr. Akinpelu Akintayo, highlighted that HIV and AIDS are significant challenges in the country, but the focus extends beyond HIV to total reproductive health. He urged the young people to seek knowledge, take responsibility for their health, and get tested regularly to know their HIV status, emphasizing that early detection can lead to a longer and healthier life.

Akintayo commended Ogun State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OGSCA) for their efforts but urged the state government to provide more HIV test kits. Practical sessions were held, including the correct use of condoms to prevent infections and unwanted pregnancies. Facilitator Damilola Shodiya stressed that HIV cannot be seen on the face, and prevention is key to reducing the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among youths.

Dr. Kehinde Fatungase, the Executive Secretary of OGSCA, urged intending couples to get tested before marriage, stating that even if found positive, they can marry and use Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) drugs to avoid transmitting the virus to their child.