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World AIDS Day 2023 Reminds History, Significance And Strategies to Lower Risk

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World AIDS Day 2023 Reminds History, Significance And Strategies to Lower Risk

By:Babagana Bukar Wakil

World AIDS Day, observed on December 1st every year, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness about the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. It is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite and show support for those living with HIV, commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses, and advocate for increased efforts to prevent new infections.

The history of World AIDS Day dates back to 1988 when the World Health Organization (WHO) announced it as an official global health observance.

The day was established to provide a platform for governments, organisations, and individuals to raise awareness and take action against HIV/AIDS. It was the first-ever Global Health Day, and it marked an important step in the fight against the epidemic.

The significance of World AIDS Day lies in its ability to WORK bring attention to the ongoing challenges posed by HIV/AIDS and to mobilise support for related issues.

The day enables people to educate themselves and others about HIV transmission, prevention, testing, treatment, and the stigma and discrimination faced by those living with the virus.

Through campaigns, events, and community activities, World AIDS Day plays a crucial role in breaking down barriers, encouraging dialogue, and fostering understanding. We can also utilise this day by focussing on educating people on AIDS and lowering risk by following correct strategies. Keep reading as we share a list of tips you can follow to lower your risk of AIDS.

Practice safe sex by using condoms consistently and correctly during every sexual encounter.

Get tested for HIV regularly, particularly if you engage in high-risk behaviours or have multiple partners.

Limit the number of sexual partners and choose partners who have also been tested for HIV.

Avoid sharing needles or any other drug paraphernalia, as this can transmit HIV.

Consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if you are at high risk of contracting HIV. PrEP is a daily medication that can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission.

If you are HIV-positive, consistently take antiretroviral therapy (ART) as prescribed by your healthcare provider to lower your viral load and decrease the risk of transmitting the virus.

Educate yourself about HIV/AIDS and stay informed about the latest prevention strategies and treatments.

If you are pregnant and HIV-positive, seek prenatal care and take appropriate medications to prevent transmitting the virus to your baby.

Engage in open and honest communication with your sexual partners about sexual history, HIV status, and prevention strategies.

Support and promote initiatives that aim to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, as this can help increase awareness and encourage broader prevention efforts.

Furthermore, the day serves as a powerful reminder of the millions of lives affected by HIV/AIDS globally. It helps build solidarity with those living with HIV, honours the memories of those who have lost their lives, and supports communities and families impacted by the disease. World AIDS Day serves as a rallying call for increased awareness, funding, and action towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, as outlined in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

World AIDS Day 2023 Reminds History, Significance And Strategies to Lower Risk

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Bandits kill two, abduct woman in Chikun, Kaduna

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Bandits kill two, abduct woman in Chikun, Kaduna

By: Zagazola Makama

Suspected bandits have killed two persons, injured one and abducted a woman during an attack on Rimi Kamazo community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Zagazola report that the incident occurred on Dec. 28 at about 11:50 a.m. when an unspecified number of armed bandits invaded the community, firing sporadically and causing panic among residents.

Victims of the attack were identified as Zainab Amos Bagoro, 55, and Aminu Amos Bagoro, 25, who were shot and fatally injured. Another victim, Gayus Amos Bagoro, sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment.

The attackers also abducted Justina Abednego, 25, and took her to an unknown destination.

Sources said security operatives received information about the attack at about 2:00 a.m. on Dec. 29 and immediately mobilised to the area in collaboration with other security agencies.

The injured victims were rushed to hospital for medical attention, where the two critically injured persons were confirmed dead, while the surviving victim is receiving treatment at St. Gerald Hospital, Kakuri, Kaduna.

The corpses of the deceased were deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy.

Security forces have intensified efforts to rescue the abducted woman and track down the perpetrators, while investigations into the incident have commenced.

Bandits kill two, abduct woman in Chikun, Kaduna

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Mob sets NSCDC office ablaze, kills three suspects in Kano

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Mob sets NSCDC office ablaze, kills three suspects in Kano

By: Zagazola Makama

Atleast three suspected motorcycle thieves were killed by a mob while the office of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was raised in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of the state.

Zagazola Makama learnt that the incident occurred at about 9:00 p.m. on Dec. 28 at the Danmaje Quarters Divisional Office of the NSCDC in Dawakin Kudu.

According to sources , personnel of the NSCDC attached to the office had earlier arrested three suspects over alleged motorcycle theft.

The source said that following the arrest, angry youths armed with dangerous weapons mobilised in large numbers and stormed the NSCDC office, demanding that the suspects be released to them for lynching.

“They overpowered the NSCDC personnel, chased them out of the office and set both the office and the suspects ablaze,” the source said.

Sources said the scene was later visited by security operatives, while the victims were rushed to the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, where they were certified dead by medical personnel.

The corpses were subsequently deposited at the hospital’s morgue.

Mob sets NSCDC office ablaze, kills three suspects in Kano

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NESREA Shuts Sunseed Oil Facility in Zaria Over Air Pollution Violations

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NESREA Shuts Sunseed Oil Facility in Zaria Over Air Pollution Violations

By: Michael Mike

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has ordered the closure of the Sunseed Oil processing plant in Zaria, Kaduna State, following findings of severe air pollution linked to the facility’s operations.

NESREA said the action was taken after investigations confirmed that the plant was emitting harmful pollutants into the atmosphere in breach of the National Environmental (Air Quality Control) Regulations.

The regulations require industries to install effective pollution control systems and adopt cleaner production methods to minimize environmental and health risks.

A statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Nwamaka Ejiofor on Tuesday, said the level of emissions from the Sunseed Oil facility posed a direct threat to the surrounding environment and residents in nearby communities, prompting immediate intervention to halt further damage.

She noted that the enforcement exercise reflects the agency’s resolve to ensure that industrial operators comply with environmental standards and to protect the public from the dangers associated with uncontrolled industrial emissions and effluents.

Commenting on the development, the Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, warned companies operating across the country to adhere strictly to national environmental laws.

He stressed that the agency would continue to take decisive action against facilities whose operations endanger public health or degrade the environment.

NESREA reiterated its commitment to regular monitoring and enforcement, noting that environmental protection remains a critical component of sustainable development in Nigeria.

NESREA Shuts Sunseed Oil Facility in Zaria Over Air Pollution Violations

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