The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has called for responsible sexual behaviour and increased condom use as Anambra records a 2.4 per cent HIV prevalence rate—the highest in the South-East zone.
The State Coordinator of AHF in Anambra, Dr Vivian Sunday, disclosed this in Awka on Friday while marking the 2026 International Condom Day, observed annually on February 13.
This year’s commemoration has the theme “Safer is Sexy, Wrap it Up.”
Sunday said the prevalence figure underscored the need for sustained public education on responsible living and preventive measures.
According to her, AHF—in collaboration with the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency, the State AIDS and STI Prevention Unit, networks of people living with HIV, community-based organizations, and partners such as Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative—is intensifying awareness campaigns on condom use.
“We partner with stakeholders because we cannot fight this battle alone. Advocacy remains one of our strongest tools in reaching both decision-makers and the public.
“New infections are still occurring, and condom use remains a proven and cost-effective way to prevent HIV and other STIs.
“Anambra State has an HIV prevalence rate of 2.4 per cent according to the NAIIS 2018 survey, making it the highest in the Southeast, hence the need for awareness,” she said.
Sunday stressed that while abstinence remains the best preventive option and mutual faithfulness between partners is encouraged, correct and consistent condom use is also essential.
She noted that condom use demonstrates responsibility toward personal and partner health, providing dual protection against infections and unwanted pregnancies.
She urged residents to live responsibly, clarifying that the campaign is not an endorsement of promiscuity but a call for individuals to protect themselves when abstinence or faithfulness cannot be maintained.
Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager of AHF Nigeria, Mr Steve Aborishade, said the event was deliberately marked a day before Valentine’s Day to encourage young people and adolescents to make responsible choices.
According to him, although abstinence is ideal, many young people find it difficult to abstain, contributing to rising cases of unplanned pregnancies and new STI and HIV infections.
He described condom use as one of the cheapest and most effective preventive measures, stressing the need for continuous awareness to enable young people to protect themselves.
Project Manager of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency, Mr John Bosco Ementa, said the event formed part of ongoing efforts to achieve epidemic control in the state.
He explained that as the agency coordinating the HIV multisectoral response in Anambra, it oversees prevention, treatment, care, and support services.
According to him, AHF remains a key partner providing free HIV testing, treatment, condoms, and other prevention services across health facilities in the state.
The event featured an awareness walk and distribution of condoms to residents.
