On the 20th anniversary of the first confirmed case of AIDS, let us remind ourselves that AIDS is preventable but not curable.
BE AWARE THAT HIV INFECTION IS NOW PRESENT IN NIGERIA & the numbers are rising.
According to estimated figures at the end of 1999, published by The Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in the "Report on the Global HIV/AIDS Epidemic June 2000," about 2.6 million Nigerians were inflicted with HIV (the AIDS virus). This include all people with HIV infection estimated to be alive at the end of 1999, whether or not they had developed symptoms of
AIDS.
{The figure was estimated based on a number of different sources of information, rather than an exact count of infected people: Reference available at www.avert.org/subaadults.htm}.
HIV = Human Immunodeficiency Virus; this is the virus that causes the AIDS disease.
AIDS = Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; this is the disease caused by the virus called HIV.
Avoid multiple sexual partners. Stay in Monogamous Sexual Relationship, whether you are heterosexual or homosexual.
Men & women in a 'Traditional African Polygamous Marital Relationship' [more than one wife to one man] must ensure that they do not have extramarital (unprotected) sex. YOU CANNOT IDENTIFY PEOPLE WHO CARRY HIV BY LOOKING AT THEIR FACES.
If you are a "player": Stay with the "No Glove, No Love" rule; that is USE A CONDOM; it will help reduce your risk of exposure to HIV.
If you use illicit drugs & other substance of abuse, do not share intravenous needles (& intranasal cocaine straws) with anyone. Get medical help to "Quit Illegal Substance Abuse."
If you decide to get a Tattoo or pierce your tongue/belly button/ears, ensure that the practitioner uses sterile instruments.
If you are a healthcare professional, avoid accidental needlestick from any patient contact: Practice "Universal Precautions for Infection Control"; e.g., do not recap used needles, dispose used needles in proper containers that cannot be pierced (not in a regular trash/garbage bag), and ensure proper sterilization of reusable medical/surgical instruments.
If in doubt, get tested for HIV antibody. If you turn out positive, seek medical care from trained medical professional: No "juju" has been documented to cure AIDS (the disease) or affliction with the HIV (the virus), hence do not waste your time seeking cure by "Voodoo or Juju." And PLEASE DON'T SPREAD IT TO OTHERS. Also tell your partner(s) to get HIV antibody test.
If you are getting a blood transfusion, do not be afraid to ask the doctor whether the blood to be transfused has been tested for HIV antibody. This is extremely important in Nigeria because of anecdotal cases of non-testing for HIV antibody in blood transfused in some health centers.
HIV infected persons in Nigeria (estimated, Dec 1999 figures):
~1,200,000 Men aged 15 to 49 years.
~1,400,000 Women aged 15 to 49 years.
~2,600,000 Total Adults.
~About 250,000 deaths from AIDS in 1999, in Nigeria
Remember: "No Glove, No Love". Use the condom whenever in doubt; i.e., when you are not in a long-term monogamous sexual relationship.
By the way, you cannot catch HIV by just merely touching the unbroken skin of someone with AIDS, so show compassion to anyone afflicted by the HIV virus. You do not catch HIV by standing next to a patient with AIDS or a carrier of HIV.
This is a Public Service Announcement sent to multiple recipients by email.
This health information is not intended to answer all your questions about HIV & AIDS. Always ask your doctor for counsel on all medical conditions.
Medicolegal disclaimer: Do due diligence. This article holds no responsibility for your health or other decisions.
ps: Feel free to forward this article to others; you never know who will benefit from this Health Education.
Guides
