By Dorcas Elusogbon
Mrs Ruth Ajayi, the Assistant Director of Nursing Services, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), has charged youths to lead an HIV/AIDS zero generation by practicing abstinence and acts that reduce transmission.
Ajayi gave the charge during the 2025 World AIDS Day marked by Sunshine Nursery and Primary School, Ile-Ife on Monday.
The 2025 commemoration has as theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response” from which Ajayi lectured the pupils on the fundamentals of HIV/AIDS.
Her lecture titled “What do you know about HIV/AIDS”, explained that HIV/AIDS is a chronic illness like diabetes, hypertension and cancer, among others.
She, however, assured that with the advent of antri-retroviral drugs, the condition is manageable though not curable.
She urged all and sundry to get tested, know their status and practice safe sex.
The specialist warned that absconding from clinics or interrupting the care process can lead to drug resistance for those who have contracted the virus.
She also warned pupils against stigmatisation and discrimination of people with HIV.
“Be friendly with them and avoid bad gangs, using of the same toothbrush, sharing of sharp objects,” she said.
Earlier, the Proprietress, Sunshine Nursery and Primary School, Dr Bisi Anyadike, said that the motive behind the annual celebration was to produce well-tutored generational children that are sensitised early to make a difference.
“If you catch them young, they will be delivered from contracting the virus and will be able to achieve the goal of HIV/AIDS zero generation,” she said.
Anyadike said that the sensitisation programme had earlier involved people living with HIV/AIDS, nursing mothers, pregnant women, transport workers, among others.
Other activities at the event were fun quiz, myth-busting interactive session and a video presentation depicting the true-life story of a man living with HIV.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that different primary and secondary schools attended the programme and were presented with various gifts. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
