The Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCCA) has held Valentine’s Day Campaign tagged #LoveIsSafe to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS and encourage young people to practise safe sex.

The #LoveIsSafe Campaign used the Valentine’s Day celebrations as an opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of being aware of one’s HIV status and the need to practise safe sex every time.

The Campaign, which included a social media campaign and an awareness drive at the Leisure Mall, Surulere reached over thirty-five thousand (35,000) people and tested eighty eight (88) people on Valentine’s Day.

Ms Favour, a visitor to the mall, who was one of those who benefitted from the free HIV test thanked NiBUCAA for their efforts in raising awareness on HIV amongst young people and encouraging young people to practice safe sex.

Speaking on the event, Isaiah Owolabi, CEO of NiBUCCA, stressed the importance of being aware of one’s HIV status because it helps to take control of one’s life. He said “knowing your HIV status is important because it encourages you to continue taking the right steps to remain HIV negative or if positive, begin treatment to remain healthy and not infect your partner and loved ones.” Also, he advocated for the end to stigmatisation against people living with HIV stressing that the stigma from being HIV positive kills faster than the virus. He also advocated for increased funding to combat HIV to help Nigeria meet the 2030 targets on 95% HIV testing and antiretroviral drugs coverage.

NiBUCAA is a coalition of leading businesses spanning all sectors of the Nigerian economy with a commitment to galvanise and coordinate private-sector efforts to end the HIV and AIDS pandemic. NiBUCAA holds interventions at all levels within the health system and the private sector workforce.

Nigeria has the second largest population of people living with HIV AIDS in Sub-Saharan with a national prevelance rate of 1.5%. Although giant strides has been made in recent times, much more remains to be done to reach the National targets of 95% of people living with HIV being aware of their targets and 95% of people living with HIV being on ARTs.