HIV prevention expert urges Nigerians to use water-based lubricants, properly fitted condoms and other proven protection measures during sexual activity.

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has warned Nigerians against using palm oil, vegetable oil and other oil-based substances as lubricants during sexual activity, saying such practices could compromise the effectiveness of condoms.

A Senior Manager for Prevention Programmes at AHF, Taofeek Adeleye, gave the warning on Thursday in Lagos during a national training for media personnel on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).

The training was organised by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to strengthen journalists’ understanding of HIV prevention and improve public awareness.

Adeleye stressed that people who use condoms should select the appropriate size and use a compatible lubricant, particularly water-based products.

He said Nigerians should avoid improvising with household or oil-based substances, including palm oil and vegetable oil, during sex.

“You can’t use palm oil, honey oil, balsamic, or vegetable oil. You can use water-based lubricants, which are advisable,” Adeleye said.

His warning highlights an often-overlooked aspect of condom use. While condoms remain one of the most accessible tools for preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), their effectiveness can be reduced when they are used incorrectly or with substances that are incompatible with the condom material.

‘Use the condom that fits you’

Adeleye also urged Nigerians to pay attention to condom size rather than assuming that one size is suitable for everyone.

He encouraged people to try different appropriate condom sizes and choose one that fits properly, noting that correct use is essential for effective protection.

“Two or three condoms—you will know the one that fits you,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of people becoming familiar with how to correctly put on and use condoms before engaging in sexual activity.

Advice on saliva use

The AHF official also addressed the use of saliva as an alternative when a commercial lubricant is unavailable.

He advised against using saliva from another person, saying that, where saliva is used, individuals should use their own.

“If you want to use saliva, it is advised that, in the absence of lubricant, the woman should use her own saliva, knowing fully well that the saliva is coming from her and going back into her, rather than using saliva from a foreign source,” he said.

PrEP remains part of HIV prevention strategy

The discussion took place against the backdrop of Nigeria’s continuing efforts to expand access to combination HIV prevention services, including PrEP, condom use, HIV testing and treatment.

PrEP is a preventive HIV intervention in which HIV-negative people who may be exposed to the virus take antiretroviral medicines to reduce their risk of infection.

When taken correctly and consistently as prescribed, PrEP can significantly reduce the risk of acquiring HIV. However, it does not protect against other STIs, making condoms and other preventive measures important components of comprehensive sexual health protection.

Adeleye therefore urged Nigerians not to rely on a single prevention method where multiple options are available.

Media urged to fight HIV misinformation

The national media training was designed to equip journalists with accurate information about PrEP and other HIV prevention tools so they can better educate the public.

Organisers also stressed the importance of responsible reporting in tackling misinformation, misconceptions and stigma associated with HIV.

Nigeria continues to face a significant HIV burden, with prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and public education remaining central to the national response.

Through NACA and its partners, including international health organisations, the Federal Government continues to promote a combination prevention approach aimed at reducing new HIV infections while improving access to testing, treatment and preventive services.

For health experts, the message is straightforward: effective HIV prevention is not only about having access to condoms or PrEP, but also about knowing how to use them correctly and avoiding practices that can undermine their effectiveness.