BYSACA Speaks to Yenagoa Residents on HIV Prevention

As part of efforts to reduce the HIV Prevalence in the state, the Bayelsa State Agency for the Control of AIDS, BYSACA has urged residents of Yenagoa, the state capital to be cautious of the risk of exposure to HIV.

Prevention Officer, BYSACA, Dr Abite Ezekiel spoke to some residents in Kpansia community during a medical outreach organized by the District Headquarters of the Foursquare Gospel Church in collaboration with BYSACA and other stakeholders in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Dr Ezekiel noted that regular testing is one of the surest way to know your HIV status hence he called on all residents to visit the agency and other health facilities within the state for HIV testing.

He pointed out that sexual activities still remains the major source of HIV transmission particularly for young persons who are more at risk of being infected adding that the consistent use of condoms is being advised for HIV prevention.

While answering questions from some residents, he elaborated other modes of transmission to include infected blood, blood products, infected sharp objects and HIV positive mothers to their children during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding.

He appealed to persons living with HIV to ensure that they take their treatment regularly adding that adherence to treatment and good nutrition would keep them healthy.

However, he emphasized that being HIV positive is not a death sentence as people living with HIV can live a normal life.

The medical outreach was attended by some staff of BYSACA to include HTS Officers, Pelesai Godbless, Hannah Dadugobo, Doris Leizou, Community Mobilization Officers, Precious Lambert, Georgiana George and Press Officer, Ebizimo Agedah.