The Ogun State Government has warned young people in the state to stay away from the dangerous drug practice known as bluetoothing.
The Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr Kehinde Fatungase, said the act involves people injecting themselves with the blood of someone who has just taken drugs because they believe they can share the high.
He gave the warning in a statement released in Abeokuta on Thursday.
Fatungase explained that the practice exposes users to life-threatening diseases and weakens ongoing public health efforts to stop the spread of blood-borne infections.
He said it puts young people at risk of HIV, Hepatitis B and C, severe blood infections, dangerous reactions, and even overdose.
He said, “In Ogun state, we are committed to protecting our youths.”
He added, “If you or someone you know is struggling with drug use, help is available at our Key Population One Stop Shop health facility at 4 Kemta Idi Aba, Abeokuta, for treatment and counselling services.”
He urged young people to choose health and encourage friends to stay safe.
Bluetoothing, also called flashblood in some countries, has been reported in South Africa, Tanzania, and Fiji, where health officials have linked it to rising HIV and other infections.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and community groups recently carried out more than 125 sensitisation campaigns across schools, religious centres, and communities, reaching over 30,000 people.
The Ogun State Ministry of Sports Development has also teamed up with youth groups such as the Drug Free Project to use sports for drug awareness and rehabilitation.
