rising homosexuality dangerous - Osotimehin

By Chuka Odittah (This Day,Lagos) - Source: Allafrica.com

July 10, 2006: Chairman of the National Action Committee on AIDS (NACA), Prof.Babatunde Osotimehin has identified the rising cases of homosexuality across various city centers in the country as a potent threat to efforts to stem the spread of HIV/AIDS. Osotimehin who made the remark during an interface with some members of the media at the corporate headquarters of the agency, said the under cover mode of operation of homosexuals makes it difficult to extend counseling sevices to them.

He said research has revealed more number of Nigerian men now engaging in homosexuality, adding that the foreign practice fuels the transmission of HIV/AIDS.

The NACA boss who said the agency is working on new modalities to ensure confidential counseling for members of the homosexual community, noted that prevention in risky sexual behaviours like homosexuality, lesbianism, multiple sexual partners and non use of condoms naturally increase risk of infection.

Osotimehin stressed the war against HIV/AIDS can only be won through mass adoption of preventive measures, adding that Uganda and Thailand among other vulnerable countries were able to keep level of infection low through preventive techniques.

"The war against HIV/AIDS can only be won through preventive approach, much more than through treatment.

This is why we stress people stay away from all forms of risky behaviours. He said rather than engage in risky sexual behaviour with the hope of resorting to treatment with ARVs, Nigerians should prevent the infection in the first place.

He la matter of national importance set up a state AIDS control agency for effective check of the opportunistic disease.