The Aids Healthcare Foundation, a Los Angeles-based global organisation that provides medicine and advocacy in 28 countries on Monday declared its commitment towards reducing HIV transmission in Nigeria. In a statement signed by the Advocacy Manager, AHF, Oluwakemi Gbadamosi, the organization, in line with its preventive advocacy measures, has set up various strategies to bring down barriers in accessing the use of condom as noted as core evidence based HIV prevention strategy.
Lamenting on the spiked hike in the increase of new HIV infections in Nigeria with 300,000 new infections recorded in 2012, Mr. Gbadamosi indicated that the organization is making efforts with education and awareness on the use of condoms for safer sex. “The AHF initiative sees condom dispensers and baskets being strategically positioned in hotels, brothels, and relaxation joints. This effort also comes with condom education and awareness as a conscious attempt to emphasize the importance of safe sex and in an attempt to bring condom closer to the people, especially those who cannot afford or access it conveniently,” Mr. Gbadamosi said.
He further noted that in Benue State which has the highest HIV prevalence, 50 outlets have been opened with over 25,000 condoms dispensed in 26 outlets in various locations in the country.
Appreciating the hotel managements and individuals at various outlets for their support in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Mr. Gbadamosi said the organization assures Nigeria of its continuous commitment and support as successes based on this model have been recorded in countries such as Zimbabwe, Brazil, Thailand, and Cambodia.
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