A medical practitioner, Dr. Kema Onu, says the proper and continuous use of condoms is the only realistic measure to end HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) by 2030.

Mr. Onu, who leads the Abuja chapter of AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) spoke at an event to mark the 2021 International Condom Day (ICD) on Saturday.

He said that HIV had been in existence since 1986 with attendant damages.

“In medicine, condom is the only realistic measure to prevent HIV/AIDS and STIs when people consistently and correctly use it.

“Condoms are always in fashion, let us continue to use them in the correct way.”

“Testing is also a very important component in reducing HIV/AIDS,’’ Mr. Onu told NAN.

He expressed the determination of AHF to continue to mitigate the spread of HIV through events including the International Condom Day, whereby people are given free condom and testing.

He described HIV/AIDS as another pandemic ravaging humanity that the world should not look down on.

“HIV is another pandemic that  we should not look down on; that is why we tried to incorporate services that are related to HIV with COVID-19.

“In centres where we have COVID-19 testing, we also want to include HIV testing to awaken the consciousness of persons to realise that while you are fighting COVID-19, HIV is another pandemic indeed,’’  he said.

The AHF state coordinator urged the Nigerian government to domesticate the production of anti-retroviral drugs and other HIV containment measures for a HIV free nation.