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Where Are The 3.5m Nigerians Infected With HIV/AIDS?

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By Dimos Sakellaridis

The intention of the title is not to scare or stigmatize any reader but to generate an intelligent discussion about the scourge of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.

In a country of 189 million people, 3.5 million may seem like an insignificant number. However, I know of some countries with population less than 3.5 million people and I cannot imagine what the future of such a country would look like if all their citizens were infected with HIV/AIDS.

The picture of such an imagination would be a monumental tragedy of devastating proportions! Horrendous statistics in Nigeria pegs the HIV/AIDS infected population at 3.5 million and either way you look at it, it is no mean figure.

HIV is spread when blood, semen, or vaginal fluids from an infected person enter another person’s body, usually through sexual contact, from sharing needles when injecting drugs, or from mother to baby during birth.

Many reasons have been adduced for the increasing scourge. One of the top reasons is poor needle and condom use.

In the current harrowing economy, sexual pleasure will be a top recreational activity and that possibly means increased unprotected sex for individuals seeking short term pleasure to long-term economic struggles.

If such a large number of Nigerians are infected with HIV/AIDS according to National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), then a larger population of Nigerians must be interacting with them one way or the other.

Some of the 3.5 million may be married to someone or be related to another as son, daughter, cousin, in-law, brother, sister, niece, nephew, aunt or uncle. The infected ones may be relating to other people as friends, neighbours, customers, clients or colleagues. One way or the other, we are all connected to them.

Some others tragically may be relating to these infected ones as sèxual partners. When you look at 3.5 million holistically, then you realize that it is not a strange distant figure in another city or territory.

It is very close to home and that is scary! If these infected people are Nigerians, then other Nigerians are connected to them one way or the other. So, when experts advise individuals to stay safe especially in sexual relationships, sharp people are smart to listen and adhere.

In retrospection, I am positive that if any of these individuals were infected through unprotected intercourse, they would wish they had done something differently. By something, I mean use a condom every time they had sèx.

So many people find condom use boring. Others believe that condom use gets in the way of full sèxual pleasure or excitement. I understand their reservations especially if they have never heard of the Fiesta Premium condoms available in 12 different variants of colours, textures, shapes, flavours, thickness and sizes, so that individuals can enjoy a different, exciting and pleasurable experience every time they have sèx.

Fiesta condoms puts the ‘F’ in Fun and is backed by DKT Nigeria’s symbols of excellence; ‘Effective, Safe, Affordable and Quality’ (ESAQ).

Fiesta premium Condoms are great choice because they can prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), so whenever you use Fiesta condoms, you get double protection combined with pleasure every time.

I have heard of so many reasons behind people not using condoms. Top on the list is condoms reduce pleasure. I believe this reason is given because they don’t know about Fiesta Ultra-Thin brand that is as close to skin as you get without that “rubber” taste that can be a real turn off.

When another person says using condom is boring, it is because they have not used the Fiesta dotted condom with more than 500 pleasure dots on the surface to increase stimulation for both partners or the Fiesta ribbed condom with more than 50 pleasure rings to increase stimulation for both partners.

A favourite with Nigerian men is the Fiesta Original Black (a.k.a. Baba dudu) condoms which are gently lubricated, black condoms to increase pleasure for you and your partner and give you a real ‘Black man’s condom experience’.

There is even a Fiesta Glow condoms popularly called ochu uzo (Pathfinder) because it is luminous and glows in the dark even defying power failure to find its target.

Sèx does not have to be risky and dangerous especially where there is the grave potential that one’s sèxual partner may already be infected with HIV/AIDS. Condom use must be encouraged.

Fiesta Premium condoms distributed nationwide by DKT Nigeria have twelve exciting variants including stimulating variants enhanced with chocolates, strawberries and Prolong for extended phantasmagoric levels of pleasure.

The number of ladies engaged in commercial sex workers may increase because the challenging economy could push many promising young girls into the tackiness of prostitution.

Many of them would choose the horrendous career path unaware of the tragedies that are embedded within especially the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and death! It is very unfortunate. But that is the plain truth.

Women and young girls suffering under the agony of poverty may soon choose the ‘easy’ way out through prostitution and they may not know that they can even protect themselves although in very unpalatable profession.

These women or girls are related to people. They have families and friends who may not be aware that they are related to a person within the enemy lines of infection with HIV/AIDS.

This is a tragedy especially when you imagine the number of people living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. This is not to stigmatize the PLWHA but any population of people living with HIV/AIDS should be treated with the utmost importance especially as the global community celebrates World AIDS Day on December 1st, 2016.

I am positive that engaging in positive sèxual behaviours including the use of condoms to prevent STDs will greatly reduce the increasing scourge of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.

If awareness can be created to alter behavior change, I am positive that the scourge of HIV/AIDS can be stemmed on several fronts especially the youths who are the major victims of the scourge.

Dimos Sakellaridis is the Country Director of DKT International Nigeria.

Modupe Gbadeyanka is a fast-rising journalist with Business Post Nigeria. Her passion for journalism is amazing. She is willing to learn more with a view to becoming one of the best pen-pushers in Nigeria. Her role models are the duo of CNN's Richard Quest and Christiane Amanpour.

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Health

Sault Tribe Enacts Smoking Ban in Kewaunee

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Health and comfort have become increasingly essential issues lately, and this has not gone unnoticed in entertainment venues. The Sault Tribe, which operates the Kewadin Casino, has decided to ban smoking in five gambling establishments. This innovation is aimed at creating a healthier environment for all visitors and employees.

Health and comfort come first

Tribal representatives emphasized that people’s health is their top priority. The decision to ban smoking was a logical step toward positive change. “As a tribal government, we are focused on improving health, and the move to ban smoking in casinos is the right step forward,” notes one tribal speaker. This means caring about the health of visitors and the well-being of the employees who work in these facilities daily.

The Sault Tribe has been actively gathering opinions from its customers and employees, and the results have been unequivocal: many are in favor of banning smoking. “We have heard from many customers and employees that a smoking ban is the right step forward,” states a tribal spokesperson. Such feedback confirms that concern for health and well-being is becoming increasingly important to the gambling industry.

What will change at Kewadin casinos?

In the weeks following the passage of the amendments, Kewadin casinos located in Sault Ste. Marie, St. Ignace, Manistique, Christmas, and Hessel will begin implementing the new policy. The smoking ban will be in effect in all establishments, including gaming rooms, restaurants, and recreational facilities. This approach will not only make the casino experience more enjoyable for non-smoking visitors, but it will also create a safer environment for employees who spend much time in the gaming rooms.

Positive implications for business and society

The adopted initiative will not only bring health benefits but will also affect the success of businesses in the long run:

  • The actions taken also emphasize the Sault Tribe’s social responsibility. They are not just in business but also show concern for the well-being of their customers and employees, making them an example for other gambling establishments.
  • Banning smoking in Kewadin casinos will create a more pleasant environment for both non-smokers and those looking to quit smoking. Smoking in public places often makes other visitors uncomfortable, and this move will help eliminate the unpleasant odour and smoke, thus creating a more pleasant atmosphere throughout the gaming rooms, restaurants, and other recreational areas.
  • The changes may attract a new audience interested in entertainment but previously avoided visiting casinos because of the smoking environment. This can lead not only to an increase in the number of guests but also, as a result, to increased profits for the establishment.

At the same time, avid smokers, which are still quite a lot, will be less likely to visit land-based casinos, where they are forbidden to relax in the usual way. Especially since today, they do not have to visit these establishments to satisfy their gambling needs.

Analyzing the search engine allows you to quickly find many popular operators, including 1win, with the largest number of gambling entertainment. And you can access these games without having to leave home. To register on 1win, it is enough to fill in a few fields in the appropriate window and develop a password. It takes less than a minute to do this and deposit money into your account. Moreover, most of the games can be played in a free demo.

Chippewa Tribe aims to create a “smoke-free” space that combines a healthy environment with the opportunity to relax and enjoy gambling. The new approach to business reflects and supports global trends aimed at caring for public health and reducing the negative impact of tobacco smoke on the health of others.

Recall that earlier, scientists told us about the new harm of smoking. According to new data, the negative impact of this bad habit on the immune system persists for several years after a person quits smoking.

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Health

SpecSMART Eye Clinic Takes Affordable, Quality Care to Ikeja, Environs

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By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The dream of residents of Ikeja and its environs enjoying affordable and quality care has now become a reality as a result of the opening of a new branch of SpecSMART Eye Clinic in the Opebi area of the capital of Lagos State.

SpecSMART Eye Clinic, a leading provider of optometry services in Lagos, commenced operations in Nigeria’s commercial capital in 2022.

Since then, it has been offering top-notch eye care to residents of the metropolis, especially those living on the Island. It has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality primary eye care and optical products.

However, to extend its services to Lagosians living on the Mainland, it has now opened a new branch in Ikeja, reinforcing its commitment to providing accessible, affordable eye care to a wider community.

Business Post gathered that the clinic’s state-of-the-art services are supported by a team of skilled optometrists and opticians, utilizing cutting-edge digital equipment.

The new Ikeja location will offer a wide range of services, including Automated Eye Examinations using advanced digital equipment for precise diagnosis and personalized care.

In addition, clients will enjoy on-the-spot lens glazing for single vision, bifocals, and varifocals, with additional lens coatings, with services to be rendered seven days a week from 9 am to 9 pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and on Sundays and public holidays from 10 am 7 pm.

Also, the clinic has over 950 frames, ranging from affordable home brands to premium designer options, priced from N18,000, and has flexible appointment scheduling with 24-hour online booking via SpecSMART’s website.

The facility has partnerships with leading HMO providers in the country and offers glaucoma management and other essential eye health services.

According to the company, its introductory packages start from N30,000 and include consultation, frame, and single-vision lenses.

“With the opening of our Ikeja branch, we are ready to serve more individuals who need accessible, cost-effective, and reliable eye care.

“Our aim is to create a positive impact in Nigeria’s optometry sector by combining advanced technology with a patient-centred approach,” the Practice Head and Medical Director of SpecSMART, Dr Adaeze Nwoko, stated.

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Health

FG Begins Vaccination Against Mpox in FCT, Six States

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By Adedapo Adesanya

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has commenced the vaccination against Monkeypox, now known as Mpox.

Business Post reports that Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory, were selected as pilot states for the vaccination.

An average of 631 persons are expected to be vaccinated across the seven states with two doses of the Mpox vaccine. A buffer for 50 persons will be kept at the national in case of an upsurge in other states.

NPHCDA in a statement posted on its verified X account confirmed the exercise, stressing that the vaccination will help to protect communities and safeguarding health of the people.

In a related development, according to the latest update by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), there are 1,442 suspected cases of Mpox from 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, while the number of confirmed cases of the infection was 118 from 28 states and the FCT.

“To prevent the spread of Mpox, we strongly advise the public to avoid contact with animals that may carry the virus, including sick or dead animals in affected areas, avoid handling materials that have been in contact with infected animals, limit unnecessary physical contact with individuals who are infected, practice frequent handwashing with soap and water, and ensure that animal food products are thoroughly cooked before eating.

“It’s also important to use protective clothing and gloves when handling sick animals or their tissues. Similarly, health workers are advised to follow standard safety protocols including droplet precautions when treating patients, use protective equipment including masks, gloves, and gowns, during patient care, and be vigilant for symptoms of Mpox, especially fever and rash, among other measures.”

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