The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Ondo State Specialist Hospital, Okitipupa, Dr Olumide Akadiri, has warned against stigmatisation and seclusion of people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Akadiri said on Tuesday in Okitipupa that stigmatisation and seclusion could kill people living with the virus faster than the scourge itself.
He said that the virus was not a death sentence as long as sufferers obeyed medical advices and abide by instructions on their drugs, adding that they could also live normal lives.
He noted that “people should stop stigmatising others living with the virus; their families and friends should care and love them to boost their morale and life span.
“HIV/AIDS is not a death sentence, especially for those who adhere to medical experts’ advice and their prescription.’’
He cautioned against unprotected sex and the use of unsterilised needles and blades which were the most common ways of transmitting the virus.
He appealed to people to visit hospitals for HIV/AIDS screening to know their status, saying HIV/AIDS were real.
“People should desists from unprotected sex, use of unsterilised needles, blades and other items that can enable blood contact; people should also go to hospitals for screening to know their HIV/AIDS status,’’ the CMD said.
He appealed to government at all levels to step up the awareness campaign on HIV/AIDS, stressing that the virus could spread fast across climes.
