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Health

Reproductive Health: Foundation recommends appropriate use of condoms

Reproductive Health: Foundation recommends appropriate use of condoms
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Condoms
Abuja, Feb. 7, 2019 (NAN) Dr Kema Onu, State Coordinator, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), says although condoms are better alternative to the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancy, its correct usage has remained a challenge.
Onu said this during a march to commemorate the World Condom Day on Thursday in Abuja with the theme ‘Safer is fun’.
He explained that although the Condom Day was supposed to hold on Feb. 13, it was commemorated earlier due to the forthcoming general elections in Nigeria as many citizens would be travelling to exercise their civic rights.
“The use of condoms remains a better alternative for the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV, and prevention of unwanted pregnancies.
“But the problem is, many still don’t know how to use the condom appropriately and that is why we are here to create awareness on the proper usage,” Onu said.
He said condom is highly effective strategy to reduce the risk of HIV transmission when used consistently and correctly.
Onu said there are no side effects to the use of condoms, noting however that there can be allergic reactions to some certain kind of condoms.
He said although the National Condom Strategy emphasised the deficit of 564 million annually in the country, saying with the consolidated efforts of government and other stakeholders the gap could be bridged.
The Medical Director of AHF, Dr Emmanuel Nwabueze, said the prevention is better than cure, adding that the foundation will continue in its efforts to create more awareness on the prevention of STDs.
He said in a way to reduce the rate of HIV and STDs in the country, the foundation had condom dispensers located at strategic locations in the FCT as well as five other states where it operates, including Kogi, Nasarawa, Benue, Anambara, Cross River States.
Nwabueze said condom were physical barriers that could reduce the risk of a sexual exposure to HIV because they are made of materials that do not allow the HIV virus to penetrate through them.
The State Nursing Coordinator, Mrs Christie Awunor, said many individuals were still ignorant on the proper usage, saying some still use their teeth or scissors to open condoms.
She said with the use of teeth or scissors, one could damage the condom which makes it ineffective.
The Advocacy and Marketing Manager, Mr Steven Aborisade, said the condoms would be distributed in Abuja, Kogi, Nasarawa, Anambra, Benue and Cross River States. (NAN)
OEO/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Foundation distributes 4,000 condoms, 500 pads to women in FCT

Foundation distributes 4,000 condoms, 500 pads to women in FCT
By Talatu Maiwada
Girl-Child
Abuja, Oct. 17, 2018 (NAN) The AIDS Health Care Foundation (AHF), an international NGO, has distributed more than 4,000 condoms and 500 sanitary pads to women and girls at Ruga community in Abuja.
Dr Chigozie Ikeh, the Site Coordinator of AHF Nigeria, said on Wednesday in Abuja that the distribution was part of activities to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, which held on Oct. 11.
Ikeh said the event was designed for vulnerable women and girls to develop and empower themselves through various skills acquisitions.
She added that the event provided a platform to advocate for every woman and girl-child to be educated and be the best in their various fields of endeavours.
“Ruga community in the FCT is a remote area with women between the ages of 20 and 30 years who are engaged in sex trade and various vices.
“AHF is here to sensitise them on their rights as women, empower and educate them on their health, as women are more vulnerable to diseases such as sexually transmitted diseases and HIV,’’ she said.
Mrs Chinelo Achebe, the Prevention Coordinator AHF, said the organisation works with young women and adolescent girls, but the event was targeted at out-of school girls who are more vulnerable and predispose to various challenges.
Achebe said the event was focused on women and the young girls to be empowered, creative, innovative and been self-reliance as the world was becoming automated.
She added that the distribution of condoms and sanitary pads would help increase awareness and promote prevention of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases, safer sex, condom use and its role in preventing HIV and unwanted pregnancies.
“Across the states, AHF also conducts both static and mobile free HIV testing, counselling and public awareness programmes to provide condom education to encourage safer sexual practices.
“We are also involved in providing wellness services, from 8 a.m to 8 p.m which would avail people access to our facility at their own convince without any form of discrimination or stigmatisation,’’ she said.
In the same vein, Mrs Wabda Ebe, the President Wanda Adu Foundation, working in partnership with AHF, they have supported orphans, vulnerable and marginalised women and girls.
She said the foundation has provided positive intervention at Ruga community, trained young women and girls on different skill acquisition programmes educate and empower them at various capacities.
“AHF goal is also working at ending HIV and AIDS by 2030, and in achieving this, they have adopted Ruga community to provide the people with free HIV testing counselling services.
“In this community, there are over 150 women engaged in sex trade; young women and girls who suffer low self-esteem.
“They have been marginalised, discriminated, abused and raped, and the event has helped to empower them, to know they have fundamental human rights which they can exercise and care for themselves and their children,” she said.
Wanda further called on the government at all levels to support and partner with credible community based organisations that would provide support to various communities at the grassroots. (NAN)
TIM/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

HIV/AIDS: Foundation tackles psycho-social needs of young girls

HIV/AIDS: Foundation tackles psycho-social needs of young girls
By Talatu Maiwada
HIV/AIDS
Abuja, June 1, 2018 (NAN) AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), an NGO, says it has created a safe space programme and trained more than 40 persons to address the psycho-social needs of young women and girls in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Country Programme Director, AHF Nigeria, Dr Echey Ijezie, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja during the Safe Space Programme workshop.
Ijezie said the programme was aimed at addressing certain challenges that confronts adolescent girls and young women from the ages of 14 to 24 years in various communities.
He listed the challenges to include components of social networking, gaps in psycho-social support, menstrual hygiene, confidence deficits, and lack of skills to negotiate safe sex.
The safe space workshop, according to him, provides a place for young women and girls to express emotional issues without hindrances while addressing their various challenges.
Ijezie, however, noted that the event would be addressing the psycho-social impact of HIV on young women and girls while guaranteeing a safe space for interaction and networking.
Mr Steve Aborisade, Advocacy and Marketing Manager, AHF Nigeria, also said the programme would address leadership capacity of the young women and girls.
“We are focusing on skills training on social intelligence, menstrual hygiene awareness, opportunity of mentoring, and importantly affording them the right mental frame to face challenges without breaking down.
“The psycho-social needs of young women and girls are enormous, some face trauma, poverty and are socially disadvantaged which has psychological effect on how they project themselves and interpret their roles in society.
“We at AHF want to ensure that these wonderful girls are empowered, able to build their self-confidence, self-esteem and to confront their future productively,’’ he said.
Mr Samuel Jinadu, Clinical Psychologist with Gede Foundation, Abuja, underscored the need to address mental health issues among persons living with HIV and AIDS.
Jinadu said the new mental health strategic work plan designed by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) emphasises the inclusion of mental health and care of individuals living with HIV and AIDS.
He said studies have shown that people living with the virus and experiencing mental health challenges such as depression, have poor attitude to seeking care, which would eventually affect their treatment plan generally.
The clinical psychologist however noted that the collaboration with AHF was to enhance compliance, follow up programmes and pay attention to mental health components that affects such individuals. (NAN)
TIM/HS/MST
Edited by Halima Sheji/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Foundation tasks FG on full implementation of anti-discrimination law

Foundation tasks FG on full implementation of anti-discrimination law
NAN-HG-8
Law
By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja, Feb. 22, 2018 (NAN) AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), an NGO, has urged the Federal Government to ensure the full implementation of anti-discrimination law in Nigeria.
Mr Steve Aborisade, Advocacy and Marketing Manager, AHF Nigeria, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.
He advised the government to work closely with stakeholders to ensure that rights of individuals are protected.
Aborisade said he was giving the advice ahead of “Zero Discrimination Day’’ slated for March1.
He urged government to also ensure that a nationwide orientation was carried out to educating Nigerians and law enforcement agencies on the use of the law.
The manager explained that the adoption of the law in the country was a commendable development, adding that “a law is not efficient if it is not implemented’’.
According to him, the law applies to all persons living with and affected by HIV and AIDS in Nigeria as well as other employees of labour in the private and public sectors.
“The law comprises of individual rights, responsibilities, institutional obligation, penalties as well as threats, intimidation and punishment for non-compliance.
“March 1, is a day set aside by the United Nations as Zero Discrimination Day to raise awareness against all forms of discrimination, to celebrate individuality, inclusion and human rights.
“It is also a day to encourage every individual to live a full and productive life with dignity regardless of gender, race, nationality, age, disability, colour, sexual orientation, religion and language.
“Millions of people living with HIV and AIDS still suffer as a result of stigma and discrimination in Africa and the world at large, it however plays a very crucial role in ending AIDS.
“Individuals are still denied access to healthcare services, jobs and schools, rejection from their families and treated unfairly because of their status; all Nigerians have responsibility to prevent HIV discrimination in the society.
“AHF urges every individual to treat one another first as humans with rights that need to be respected and upheld as the world prepares to commemorate Zero Discrimination Day.’’
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the HIV and AIDS Anti-Discrimination Act of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was passed by the Senate and House of Representatives on April 9, and Oct.15, 2014, respectively. (NAN)
TIM/MO/MST
Edited by Omolade Michael/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

World Condom Day: Foundation says HIV infection highest among youths

World Condom Day: Foundation says HIV infection highest among youths
NAN-H-40
Condoms
By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja, Feb. 14, 2018 (NAN) Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF), an NGO, says the prevalence of HIV and AIDS infections is highest among youths between the ages of 15 to24.
The Site Coordinator, AHF Clinic, Dr Kema Onu, said this on the sideline of the procession of the 2018 World Condom Day, in conjunction with Valentine’s Day.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that AHF distributed 300,000 condoms to commemorate World Condom Day, themed “Always in Fashion’’, a global event celebrated annually on Feb. 13.
“According to UNICEF, the trend of early sexual debut in Nigeria begins at less than 15 years, for 15 per cent of Nigeria’s youth.
“The National Health Survey Data also suggests that about 4.2 per cent of young people 15 to 24 years are living with HIV and AIDS.
“Sexual practices are higher among youths; they also have the highest prevalence of HIV and AIDS in the country.
“This is because as over the years as national response on HIV epidemic reduces, the prevalence of HIV among this targeted population has not changed,’’ he said.
He cautioned parents on the need to be more realistic while teaching the message of abstinence and condom use.
Onu said as teenagers begin to understand human biology and sexual relationships, parents should demystify sex by calling the sexual organs by its actual name as penis, vagina and breast, among others.
“While we want to make condom use and HIV testing services age appropriate in our homes and communities, we have to be realistic.
“This is because current data, shows that over 220,000 new infections are recorded every year for HIV and AIDS, 100,000 AIDS related deaths recorded every year.
“If we want to be ideal we talk about abstinence, but today we preach condom use because is the most realistic way of preventing the HIV, unwanted pregnancies and STDs.
“Condoms are always in fashion and still remains one of the best methods for preventing HIV, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs),’’ he said.
Queen Esther Ouonye, Miss Health Africa, also urged youths to play safe and take responsibility for their sexual and reproductive health to prevent STDs and unwanted pregnancies as they celebrate valentine’s days.
Ouonye stated that safety should come before pleasure, adding that youths should abstain from sexual activities or take precaution by using condom.
She further advised on the importance to use condoms correctly and consistently.
NAN reports that AHF is the largest non-profit HIV/AIDS organisation in the world that provides medical care to over 855,000 clients in 39 countries.
AHF Nigeria has been operating in the country since 2011 and has its presence in six states. (NAN)
TIM/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

World Condom Day: Foundation to test 43,000 for HIV

NAN-HG-14
Condom
By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja, Feb. 8, 2018 (NAN) An NGO, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), says it will distribute 300,000 condoms and carry out test on 43,000 people on HIV to commemorate the 2018 World Condom Day.

Mr Steve Aborisade, the Advocacy and Marketing Manager, (AHF) Nigeria, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

Aborisade said that the activities which would hold in six states, were to commemorate the 2018 World Condom Day, slated for Feb. 13.

International Condom Day seeks to promote the use of condoms as a means of preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Condoms are thin rubber covers that a man wears on his penis during sexual intercourse as a contraceptive or as protection against STIs.

The theme is entitled: “Always in Fashion’’.

“The foundation will be celebrating the global day on Feb.13 in Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Kogi, Nassarawa and Abuja.

“The activities will help to increase awareness and promote the prevention of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), safer sex, preventing HIV and unwanted pregnancies.

“Across the states, AHF will conduct both static and mobile HIV testing and public awareness programmes to provide condom education, while distributing free condoms to encourage safer sexual practices.

“According to UNICEF, the trend of early sexual debut in Nigeria begins at less than 15 years.

“It has also been discovered that for 15 per cent of Nigeria youths, and the practice of multiple sexual partners also increases HIV vulnerability among them,’’ Aborisade said.

Also, Mr Greg Abiaziem, the acting Country Programme Manager of AHF, said that it was important to arrest the trend of new HIV infection gripping Nigerian youths through the preaching of abstinence.

“It is important to abstain from sex or use condom to prevent STDs, including HIV and unwanted pregnancies.

“It has become important to ensure condom option is made available as preventive measure to youths who cannot abstain from sex as new HIV infections highest among young persons from 15 to 24 years.

“The National Data also suggests that about 4.2 per cent of young persons from 15 to 24 years are living with HIV,’’ Abiaziem said.

In his remarks, Mr Terri Ford, the Chief Global Policy, Advocacy and Marketing, said that condom were under attack in the realm of global public health with the government and international agencies slashing funds.

Ford said that this would likely lead to more infections worldwide.

He said that the day would reinvigorate the message that condom gives fun and a fashionable way to protect oneself and partner.

Ford further reinforced the tenet that condom should be made available free to anyone who needs them.

NAN reports that AIDS Healthcare Foundation is the largest non-profit HIV/AIDS organisation in the world that provides medical care to over 855,000 clients in 39 countries.

AHF Nigeria has been operating in the country since 2011 and has its presence in six states. (NAN)
TIM/JIE/GOK
=======
Edited by Julius Enehikhuere/Olagoke Olatoye

Health

Foundation partners FG, support IDPs

Foundation partners FG, support IDPs
NAN-H-18
Partnership
By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja, Oct. 28, 2017 (NAN) The Aids Health Care Foundation (AHF), an NGO, says it is collaborating with Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to distribute sanitary pads to 300 women and girls at Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps.

Mr Steve Aborisade, Advocacy and Marketing Manager AHF, said the distribution was part of its activities to commemorate International Day of the Girl Child which held on Oct. 11.

The sanitary pads were distributed at Gwoza and Bama (IDPs) in Durumi, FCT Abuja.

Aborisade said that the event was aimed at empowering and supporting young girls while developing their capacity and ensuring that their everyday life was not interrupted by menstruation.

“AHF believes that girls must be given the opportunity to live their lives to their full expectations and something so central to a woman’s development should never be a barrier to her success.

“Effective menstrual hygiene is vital to the health, well-being, dignity, empowerment, mobility and productivity of every woman and girl-child,’’ he said.

Mrs Christy Awunor, Senior Nursing Officer, AHF, said poor menstrual hygiene could cause stigma, ill health, infection and could also lead to school absenteeism and increased school drop-out.

Awunor mentioned that to manage menstruation hygienically and with dignity, it was important that women and girls had access to water and sanitation.

“The women and girls in IDP camps need somewhere private to change sanitary cloths or pads; clean water and soap for washing their hands, bodies and reusable cloths.

“They also need facilities for safely disposing of used materials or a clean place to dry them if reusable,’’ she said.

Awunor further urged the federal government to prioritise the needs of women and girls and to provide sanitary facilities in the IDP camps.

Mrs Fawekun Oyeyemi, Deputy Director, Social Affairs, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, appreciated the effort of AHF, adding that menstrual hygiene is an essential and integral part of every woman’s life.

Oyeyemi urged private sector organisations and NGOs to invest by contributing to the well-being of Nigerians as their social corporate responsibility.

Also speaking, Mrs Aisha Ahmed, a 32-year-old mother, said she was grateful for the sanitary pads and called on government to provide toilets as several women and girls had contracted infection at the camps. (NAN)
TIM/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola