The Ogun State Government has issued a stern warning to youths against engaging in the dangerous drug practice known as “bluetoothing.”
Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Kehinde Fatungase, described the practice as a lethal trend in which individuals inject themselves with the blood of someone who has recently taken drugs, believing it allows them to “share the high.” The warning was released in a statement from Abeokuta on Thursday.
Fatungase explained that the act exposes participants to severe health risks, undermining public health initiatives aimed at controlling blood-borne infections.
He noted that the practice puts young people at risk of HIV, Hepatitis B and C, severe blood infections, life-threatening reactions, and overdose.
He urged, “In Ogun state, we are committed to protecting our youths.
“If you or someone you know is struggling with drug use, help is available at our Key Population One Stop Shop (KPOSS) health facility at 4 Kemta idi Aba, Abeokuta, for treatment and counselling services.
“We encourage our youths to choose life, choose health, choose future, say no to bluetoothing and encourage friends to stay safe. Together, we can prevent HIV and safeguard the next generation.”
The practice, sometimes referred to globally as “flashblood,” has been reported in countries such as South Africa, Tanzania, and Fiji, where authorities link it to spikes in HIV and other infections.
In response, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, in partnership with community groups and the Pyrates Confraternity, recently carried out over 125 awareness campaigns in schools, religious centres, and communities, reaching more than 30,000 people.
Additionally, the Ogun State Ministry of Sports Development has collaborated with youth-focused NGOs like the Drug Free Project to use sports as a platform for raising awareness and promoting rehabilitation.
