Oshomole Sensitises Market Women On HIV Prevention, Free PrEP, PEP Services
By Judith Ipogah
The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, has urged market women across the State to take advantage of free HIV prevention services by embracing Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to reduce the risk of HIV infection.
Dr. Oshiomhole explained during a sensitisation programme, which held in Benin City, that PEP is an emergency medication that can prevent HIV infection after possible exposure, provided treatment is commenced within 72 hours. He stressed that survivors of rape and individuals who may have been exposed to HIV through unprotected sexual intercourse should seek immediate medical attention to access the life-saving medication within the recommended timeframe.
The Commissioner further explained that PrEP is a preventive medication designed for individuals who are at substantial risk of contracting HIV. According to him, when taken consistently as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective in preventing HIV infection. He cited example of married couple where a partner is living with HIV (discordant couple) to illustrate its importance, noting that consistent use of PrEP can significantly reduce the risk of transmission to the HIV-negative partner. He said the intervention empowers individuals to take proactive steps toward protecting their health while supporting healthy family life.
Dr. Oshiomhole encouraged the market women to become advocates for HIV prevention by sharing the information with their families, neighbours, colleagues and members of their communities, thereby expanding awareness and promoting early access to prevention services. He disclosed that Edo State remains one of the states with high HIV burden in Nigeria, adding that the administration of Sen. Monday Okpebholo is intensifying efforts to reverse the trend through expanded access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment and counselling services.
He informed participants that both PrEP and PEP medications are available free of charge at designated health facilities across Edo State. He also urged residents to scan the official QR code provided during the sensitisation campaign to locate the nearest health facility offering the services.
The market women commended the Edo State Government for the awareness initiative and pledged to disseminate the information within their respective markets and communities to support ongoing efforts to reduce new HIV infections and promote healthier communities across the State.
The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, has urged market women across the State to take advantage of free HIV prevention services by embracing Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to reduce the risk of HIV infection.
Dr. Oshiomhole explained during a sensitisation programme, which held in Benin City, that PEP is an emergency medication that can prevent HIV infection after possible exposure, provided treatment is commenced within 72 hours. He stressed that survivors of rape and individuals who may have been exposed to HIV through unprotected sexual intercourse should seek immediate medical attention to access the life-saving medication within the recommended timeframe.
The Commissioner further explained that PrEP is a preventive medication designed for individuals who are at substantial risk of contracting HIV. According to him, when taken consistently as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective in preventing HIV infection. He cited example of married couple where a partner is living with HIV (discordant couple) to illustrate its importance, noting that consistent use of PrEP can significantly reduce the risk of transmission to the HIV-negative partner. He said the intervention empowers individuals to take proactive steps toward protecting their health while supporting healthy family life.
Dr. Oshiomhole encouraged the market women to become advocates for HIV prevention by sharing the information with their families, neighbours, colleagues and members of their communities, thereby expanding awareness and promoting early access to prevention services. He disclosed that Edo State remains one of the states with high HIV burden in Nigeria, adding that the administration of Sen. Monday Okpebholo is intensifying efforts to reverse the trend through expanded access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment and counselling services.
He informed participants that both PrEP and PEP medications are available free of charge at designated health facilities across Edo State. He also urged residents to scan the official QR code provided during the sensitisation campaign to locate the nearest health facility offering the services.
The market women commended the Edo State Government for the awareness initiative and pledged to disseminate the information within their respective markets and communities to support ongoing efforts to reduce new HIV infections and promote healthier communities across the State.
