The Director-General of the Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KSACA), Dr Usman Bashir, has urged sexually active people to use condoms correctly and consistently as part of efforts to prevent HIV infection.
Dr Bashir made the call in Kano while highlighting key measures for HIV prevention.
He identified correct and consistent condom use during sexual intercourse as one of the effective measures individuals can adopt to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
The KSACA Director-General also encouraged members of the public to know their HIV status by undergoing regular testing, particularly after possible exposure to the virus.
He further advised HIV-negative people who are at substantial risk of infection to consider pre-exposure prophylaxis, known as PrEP, as part of their prevention options.
According to him, people who may have been exposed to HIV should seek post-exposure prophylaxis, PEP, as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours and no later than 72 hours after possible exposure.
Dr Bashir also cautioned against sharing needles, syringes and other equipment that could be contaminated with blood, stressing the importance of adopting safe practices to prevent HIV transmission.
He urged pregnant women to undergo HIV testing early, saying early diagnosis and appropriate care can help prevent transmission of the virus from mother to child.
The KSACA boss also called on people living with HIV to adhere to prescribed antiretroviral therapy, noting that effective treatment can suppress the virus to an undetectable level and prevent sexual transmission of HIV.
He equally called for an end to stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV, stressing the need to support them to access testing, treatment, care and other essential services.
Dr Bashir said HIV prevention remained a collective responsibility, urging members of the public to stay informed, get tested, protect themselves and encourage others to adopt appropriate prevention measures.