By Suleiman Abubakar MAPSA
The Nasarawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (NAPHDA) joined the global community today in commemorating World AIDS Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, honoring those who have lost their lives to the disease, and supporting individuals living with it.
This year’s theme, “Take the Right Path: My Health, My Right!”, underscores the importance of safeguarding human rights in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The theme also emphasizes advocacy and education as crucial tools in achieving a world free from AIDS.
AIDS, which stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, is the advanced stage of HIV infection, marked by significant deterioration of the immune system. Early detection and proactive management are essential to prevent the progression of HIV to AIDS.
Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh, the Executive Secretary of NAPHDA, highlighted the agency's pivotal role in combating the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Nasarawa State. Under his leadership, primary healthcare centers have been strengthened to respond proactively to the challenges posed by the disease.
As part of its awareness campaign, NAPHDA urges the public to adopt preventive measures, including:
Practicing safe and hygienic sex
Regular HIV testing
Using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
Avoiding contact with blood and bodily fluids
Getting vaccinated against hepatitis
Avoiding the sharing of needles or syringes
Seeking treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare and promoting rights-based approaches to tackle HIV/AIDS effectively in Nasarawa State.
