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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

International Condom Day: Foundation to distribute 600,000 condoms in Nigeria

International Condom Day: Foundation to distribute 600,000 condoms in Nigeria
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Condoms
Abuja, Feb. 6, 2019 (NAN) The AIDS HealthCare Foundation (AHF), a Non-Governmental Organisation, says it will distribute over 600,000 condoms across the country as part of activities to commemorate this year’s International Condom Day.
Mr Steve Aborisade, the Advocacy and Marketing Manager of the Foundation, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja said the day was set aside to promote the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), HIV and unwanted pregnancies.
“The commemoration is usually observed on Feb. 13 in preceding Valentine’s Day, however, the day was moved to Feb. 7 due to the upcoming general elections.
“The condoms will be distributed in Abuja, and five other states of Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Anambra and Cross River,’’ he said.
The Country Programme Director, Dr Echey Ijezie, AHF-Nigeria, said that the Nigerian National Condom Strategy emphasised a deficit of 564 million condoms annually in the country.
He said the National AIDS and Reproductive Health Survey 2012 indicated that despite the increased awareness about condom in Nigeria, there is still low acceptance.
“Abstinence from sex, for those who can, remains very effective in preventing STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
“AHF is however confident that when we keep reminding people about using condoms with access to free condoms, we would have helped to reduce new HIV and STIs, prevent unwanted pregnancies, while promoting healthy lifestyle choices,’’ Ijezie said.
According to Chief Global Policy and Advocacy AHF, Mr Terri Ford, condoms are still the cheapest and best option for preventing HIV and STDs, in addition to unwanted pregnancies.
“Our International Condom Day events are a fun way to bring people together and get them information about how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and healthy.
“International Condom Day also helps remind people that there is still an HIV crisis across the globe,’’ he added.
AHF President, Mr Michael Weinstein, also said that promoting safe sex practices was also important in a time when funding for global health has remained flat for the last several years.
He said that lack of funds also includes money for condoms, adding that it is critical to stay healthy and be disease-free, particularly in countries that experience higher prevalence rates for HIV.
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organisation, currently provides medical care and services to more than one million clients in 43 countries. (NAN)
OEO/OIF/MST
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/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

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