CR - SACA Boss Dr Etcheri Ansa Calls On Cross Riverians To Play/Stay Safe In This Valentine's Season

St Valentine's Day is an annual festival to celebrate romantic love, friendship and admiration. Every year on 14 February people celebrate this day by sending messages of love and affection to partners, family and friends. Couples send Valentine's Day cards and flowers and spend special time together to honour their love for each other. This year isn't an exception to that.

Amidst the high increase in HIV/AIDS number in the Country couple with the COVID-19 challenges, the State's Director General of the Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS Dr Etcheri Ansa has called on cross riverians to remain safe and not misconstrue the true meaning and essence of Valentine's day which is to show love to friends, family, couples and loved ones, share gifts and above all sending messages of love and affection to one another.

Speaking in her office during the early hours of Friday morning, Dr Ansa called on all cross riverians especially those who falls under the adolescents age not to misunderstand what Val's day is all about. "February 14 as we all know is a very remarkable day in the World, it's a day of love, a day where couples, friends, family and loved ones celebrate with themselves by sharing gifts, sending love and affectionate messages and caring for one another just like St Valentine did while he was locked up in prison.

"A lot of people have today misunderstood what this day stands for and as such have decided to use this day to carry out illicit acts amongst others. It's a thing of concern especially from us at this side due to the high increases in number of HIV/AIDS in our Country. The government of Sen Prof Ben Ayade has done so much to reduce our prevalent rate and if we keep quiet on days like this then we're betraying that trust and support reposed on us to change the narratives, therefore parents should keep an eye on their children who aren't of age to get involved in sexual affairs while those who are of age should please stick to one partner, be faithful to themselves, shun multiple sex partners, and also avoid sharing of sharp objects with anyone."

Dr Ansa frowned at the fact that many young people have today thrown caution into the wind by engaging in risky behaviors that could put their lives as well of that of their loved ones in danger. She charged all cross riverians to go about the Val's day celebration remembering that HIV is still very much with us while calling on all and sundry to abstain from premarital sex, be faithful to their partners, to accept only screened blood transfusion and all pregnant mothers to always attend ante natal. She wished everyone a safe and happy Valentine's day celebration as she urged all to also make it a priority to always know/check their HIV/AIDS status.