Aids Healthcare Foundation (a staunch advocate in the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS in the Country), has intensified her monthly condom access, education and advocacy initiative; one of the organization’s strategies for reducing the high rate of HIV prevalence in Nigeria.
This initiative sees the positioning of condom dispensers and baskets in strategic places in the FCT (e.g. Hotels, Brothels, ''relaxation joints'', etc.), in a conscious attempt to bring condom(s) closer to the people, especially those who cannot afford or access it conveniently. This outreach goes a step further to raise awareness on the importance of practicing safe sex, which cannot be overemphasized.
(a staunch advocate in the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS in the Country),
By the month of May, 2013, AHF condom filled dispensers and baskets have been placed in a total of Twenty-six (26) outlets; at various locations in the Federal Capital Territory.Twenty five Thousand Four Hundred and Twelve (25,412) condoms were distributed.
RESPONSE FROM THE BENEFICIARIES
This initiative has been lauded by hotel managements and individuals from the various outlets as a significant step in the right direction towards the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria and they promised to utilize this opportunity efficiently and effectively.
The management of Infinity hotel located in Karmo (a suburb in the FCT)in a response to the development, welcomed the idea and advised that it should be sustained; especially in areas like theirs where condoms cannot be easily accessed. Places like Divine Moscow Hotel, Maryland Hotel, Agodo Guest-Inn, Power House Hotel, Parapet Hotel, Hope rising Hotel,Jimi Hotel,Shehaggy's Hotel,Freeman Entertainment Garden, to mention but a few,shared a similar view and recommended that the Government and other NGO’s emulate this practice. All of these point towards the growing presence of AHF preventive advocacy measures and her commitment towards reducing HIV transmission in Nigeria.
There is no gainsaying that since the start of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic in early 1980s, various Organizations, and HIV/AIDS activist groups have continuously advocated for the use of evidence based prevention strategies (such as promoting the consistent and correct use of condoms ) to control viral transmission.
The body of evidence that supports the effectiveness of condoms in preventing HIV transmission is overwhelming. It has been proven in various Countries that the use of condoms have helped to reduce HIV transmission and encouraged safer sexual behaviour. According to UNFPA “Thailand's efforts to de-stigmatize condoms and its targeted condom promotion for sex workers and their clients dramatically reduced HIV infections in these populations and helped reduce the spread of the epidemic to the general population. A similar policy in Cambodia has helped stabilize national prevalence, while substantially decreasing prevalence was observed among sex workers. In addition, Brazil's early and vigorous condom promotion among the general population and vulnerable groups successfully contributed to sustained control of the HIV epidemic. Increased condom use is believed to be a contributing factor in the decline in HIV prevalence reported in Zimbabwe between 2003 and 2005”
In the light of the above, it is important for Nigerians who are sexually active to practice safe sex, as one of the precautionary measures for decreasing the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Country (a practice AHF strongly supports).Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, and consequently, has one of the largest populations of people living with HIV in the world; second only to South Africa.
v Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is a global organization providing cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to more than 200,000 patients in 28 countries. The organisation is the largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the U.S, with headquarters in Los Angeles.
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