NGOs Reinforce Campaign Against Rape, HIV

Miss Oluwaseun Owolabi, the Executive Director of Stand to End Rape (STER) Initiative says there is need to intensify awareness on sexual violence, rape and HIV counselling among youths.

Sowobi said on Friday in Lagos on the sideline of the sensitisation campaign against sexual violence, rape and HIV counselling for youths.

“There are different kinds of sexual violence and their relative terms, from defilement to sexual abuse among youths.

“Anyone could fall victim to rape; rape can be perpetrated by anyone, which could occur via different means, such as intimidation, coercion, through acquaintances, familiar faces and peer pressure,” she said.

According to her, it was important for rape victims to visit the hospital immediately and receive a post exposure prophylaxis in reducing the likelihood of the victim contracting HIV virus or any other Sexually-Transmitted Infections (STIs).

“A Referral Centre or Primary Health Care service within 24 to 72 hours of the incidence, because there are chances that a rapist would have multiple victims,” Sowobi said.

Miss Oluwakemi Gbadamosi, a representative of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), who noted that rape cases, has become a common trend in the society urged youth to be careful.

Gbadamosi, who spoke further on the prevalence of HIV, advised the youths to be fully aware of their status as this would help to reduce the burden of unreported cases.

“People Living with HIV are healthy once they commence treatment on time, although HIV has no cure, it can be fully managed, “she said.

The event was in conjunction supported by the AIDS HealthCare Foundation (AHF).

The objective include to expand the organisation’s ability and readiness to assist victims to get help required from contracting unwanted viruses and infections including abuse.