Recently, I came across a report of over 73,000 carriers of HIV in Owerri, Imo State on social media. Though they say the report is fake, a lot of people I hear are calling in to confirm if it is true and it is creating unnecessary panic in the State.
Please if I may ask why are people panicking and how does it affect anything going on there. The most important message in all these, be it fake or real is that HIV/AIDS is still real and if you are careless with your life you may end up contracting it.
People need to know that having multiple partners which has become a norm, unprotected intercourse, sharing blades and needles and getting blood transfusion from an unsolicited source put you at risk.
I read a story online about a baby that got infected from a blood transfusion done in a hospital with this kind of incident even getting blood from the hospital isn’t a guarantee it is screened properly so always insist on getting screened again to be sure of what you are taking into your body. We all need to be careful, stay faithful to your partner, and get tested from time to time.
Though HIV/AIDS isn’t a death sentence if managed because they are other STIs that are life threatening if contracted for instance Hepatitis B, Chlamydia, and Human Papilloma Virus, which can lead to cervical cancer or prostate cancer.
It is pertinent for sensitization programs to be held to enlighten the society especially at the hinterlands because people are yet to come to terms with this disease, thus living a carefree lifestyle.
HIV/AIDS they say “e no dey show for face” and momentary pleasure can cause a lifetime pain.
Live your life responsibly and enjoy good health.
With Love From Tricia Iwuoha
