Expert warns against using palm and vegetable oil as sexual lubricants
Taofeek Adeleye, a Senior Manager for Prevention Programmes at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, has cautioned Nigerians against using palm oil, vegetable oil, and other oil-based substances as sexual lubricants. He emphasized that water-based lubricants are a safer alternative, especially when condoms are used. Adeleye's warning was delivered in Lagos during a national training for media personnel on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, organized by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS and the World Health Organization. He also advised individuals to use appropriately sized condoms and to take precautions before engaging in sexual activity to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Regarding saliva, Adeleye recommended that if used as a lubricant in the absence of other options, individuals should use their own saliva rather than from another person. This training is part of Nigeria's ongoing efforts to scale up combination HIV prevention interventions, including PrEP, condom use, HIV testing, and treatment, to address the country's significant HIV burden.
