By Ayodele Popoola

To mitigate the spread of HIV/AIDS infection among residents, the Ondo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ODSACA), has admonished youths to always strive to abstain from sex or use condoms.

He gave the admonition during the agency’s Valentine’s Day road walk and distribution of condoms to people of all walks of life in Akure metropolis.

The walk which started from the popular NEPA Roundabout to some strategic parts of the city was extended to some hotels and clubhouses in the Alagbaka area, featuring distribution of thousands of condoms.

Community Mobilization Officer of the Agency, Adenike Ogunmakinwa, who spoke with The Hope shortly after the road walk, explained that the initiative comes up every year on Valentine’s Day to show love to the people living with HIV/AIDS virus and to encourage people to know their status in other to know how to take care of themselves.

Ogunmakinwa stressed that the youths were being encouraged to abstain from sex, and if they cannot, they should endeavour to use condoms .

She said it is part of the state government’s programmes to prevent the spread of the dreaded virus and unwanted pregnancies through free distribution of condoms, which would lead to safer sex awareness.

Ogunmakinwa insisted that the government does not wish to shy away from the fact that youths indulge in sexual activity while celebrating Valentine’s Day, noting that it has become pertinent to educate youths on the dangers of unprotected sex.

“As of February this year, over 18,000 people were on treatment in the state. To stop the spread of the virus, we are out to tell people that as they celebrate, they should remember to use condoms and play safe.

“We are sharing condoms so the people can use them and be safe from the HIV/AIDS virus. If you know you cannot abstain from sex, use a condom,” she said.

She further said the state government has many programmes to ensure the safety of the people living with the virus, which includes free nutritional support and drugs.