Public health experts have issued a strong warning to Nigerians against using domestic cooking oils, including palm oil and vegetable oil, as sexual lubricants. A Senior Manager for Prevention Programmes at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Taofeek Adeleye, gave the warning during a national media training on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). He emphasized that oil-based substances degrade condoms rapidly, making water-based lubricants the only safe option for sexual health.

The crucial health advisory was delivered in Lagos at a specialized workshop organized for media personnel by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO). The initiative aims to equip journalists with accurate knowledge to combat misinformation regarding HIV transmission. Organizers stressed that the media plays a pivotal role in educating the public on safe sexual practices and modern prevention methods.

Beyond the dangers of oil-based lubricants, the AHF official urged citizens to prioritize proper condom sizing to ensure maximum protection. Adeleye explained that mismatched condom sizes frequently lead to breakage or slippage during intercourse, thereby increasing exposure to infections. He advised individuals to experiment safely with different options to discover the specific fit that guarantees their personal safety before engaging in sexual activity.

In his address, Adeleye also touched upon the common practice of using saliva as an alternative lubricant when commercial options are unavailable. He strictly cautioned against using saliva from a sexual partner due to the potential risk of transmitting oral infections or pathogens. Instead, he recommended that if saliva must be used, women should use their own fluid to eliminate the introduction of foreign biological risks into their bodies.

The expert further admonished men to remain highly conscious of their immediate sexual environments and avoid taking spontaneous, unnecessary risks. Drawing a comparison to surveying a room before entering it, Adeleye stated that individuals must always evaluate their circumstances and prepare protection beforehand. This proactive mindset, he noted, is essential for reducing the high rate of unplanned exposures to sexually transmitted infections across the country.

This intensive training comes at a time when Nigeria is actively scaling up its combination HIV prevention interventions to reduce national infection statistics. These comprehensive strategies combine the distribution of condoms, widespread HIV testing, immediate retroviral treatment, and the expanding deployment of PrEP. Public health agencies are working together to ensure these preventive resources are easily accessible to vulnerable populations nationwide.

Medical experts at the event highlighted that PrEP is a highly effective prevention method involving daily antiretroviral medications for HIV-negative individuals at high risk of exposure. When taken consistently as prescribed by a doctor, PrEP significantly lowers the chances of contracting the virus. However, health officials reminded the public that PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, meaning condom use remains indispensable.

Nigeria currently carries one of the largest HIV burdens globally, making expanded prevention services an urgent national priority. Through joint efforts by NACA, the Federal Government, and international partners like the WHO, the country is striving to dismantle the stigma surrounding HIV. By driving accurate information through national newspapers, stakeholders hope to foster a healthier, more informed society.