ABC…. The first three letters to the alphabet carry varying meaning to various individuals. From nursery school I had to memorize and practice these letters to the last letter Z. This would mean good grades, happy parents and most desirably toys and other gifts. As I grew older, the letters ABC changed meaning. These simple letters were harder to practice and later on memorize. Abstain, Be faithful and use condoms. Three steps to protect yourself from the HIV epidemic.

1st December is a worldwide recognized AIDS day to raise awareness to the HIV virus and mourn those who have gone too soon by its hand. As kids, we were always cautioned against the disease and told to live by the letters ABC. Twenty years later, HIV is no longer the vividly feared epidemic it was. The fear has been watered down thanks to the vigilance of ABC and God’s mercy to the human race; but the down ward trend of HIV infections should not have you fooled. HIV still exists and is a dangerous disease that can change your life forever. (note that this not a good change).

For most young people nowadays, sex is not water in the desert. You will meet and in the next hour higher chances are that you will hit it. (as the saying goes) This decline in morals and self-respect has   us all exposed and lazy to protect our lives and stay healthy.

Finding a virgin in 2015 is like searching for the HIV cure it’s self. We have been raised by TV and the internet to believe that having sex early is cool and practicing Abstinence is a thing of the 80’s. Slogans like ‘virginity is lack of opportunity‘ might carry truth but when I was younger I believed it was the right thing to do. (abstaining and not getting a girl pregnant) Even when opportunity presented it’s self, I would say no. Today, we don’t need to search for the opportunity, it looks for us and insists that we use it. So what do you do when offers are surrounding you? (good offers by the way). A, abstain from places, friends and situations that are going to tempt you. For we are all human that can give into temptation. It’s hard to say no but remember that the consequences are hard. Taking ARVs for the rest of your life! We need to ABSTAIN fellas. (as much as we can.)

So many relationships I know have ended because of cheating. He cheated, she cheated. This has become the norm of dating disasters. One thing I know now that I didn’t then is having multiple partners is expensive, emotionally draining and a healthy risk. (A bomb waiting to explode) It’s always appealing to be the man who can juggle the ladies, but in truth they are using you. For the girls, normally they feel pretty and good about themselves knowing all these guys are running after them. Giving me anything I need but reality check is you need only one partner to live a fully satisfying life. We have one heart to give love, focus on one and stay healthy and happy.

Buying a condom was the hardest thing to get used to. I always had to prep, wait and get the strength to go to the shop and order one. Even when I reached at that shop ( I made sure the attendant didn’t know me), I had to wait until I was all alone with the shop keeper to order for what I wanted. It was always hard because inside I felt I was about to do something wrong, but when society tells you it’s okay to have sex then all pieces fall in place. No more waiting for NGO condoms that will be discretely  or anonymously handed out. If A has failed, buy that condom and always put it on. (no matter how hot she is) If need be, you should buy a box and keep stock in the house so that moments like, ‘oh I ran out of condoms and I might not get this opportunity again’ cease to happen. We  always need to put it on.

Remember HIV/AIDS is real. We have lost family and friends to the disease. Lets protect ourselves and not swell the number of victims. May God give us guidance,courage and better understanding to stay safe.