By Justina Auta
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has urged governments and stakeholders to eliminate barriers, prioritise funding, and ensure that free or affordable condoms are accessible to everyone who needs them.
AHF Nigeria’s Country Programme Director, Dr Echey Ijezie made this call in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, ahead of the 2025 International Condom Day (ICD), which is celebrated globally every February 13.
ICD aims to raise awareness about the importance of condoms and other essential sexual health issues.
Ijezie emphasised the urgent need to address the rising global incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), noting that more than 1 million STIs are acquired daily worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
He also pointed out that in spite of the overwhelming evidence of condoms’ effectiveness; their usage was declining in many parts of the world.
“To end HIV/AIDS and STIs, we must prioritise the prevention of new HIV cases.
“Promoting condoms as an essential tool for prevention is key.
“We remind everyone that using condoms is the best way to prevent HIV, other STIs, and unplanned pregnancies.
“AHF established International Condom Day to promote safer sex and ensure condoms are accessible to all.
“When used correctly, condoms are proven to provide effective protection for you and your partner. So, no excuses, wrap it up every time,” Ijezie said.
AHF Africa Bureau Chief, Dr Penninah Iutung also commented, “Condoms are the most cost-effective method of protection against HIV and other STIs, yet many Africans lack access due to barriers such as stockouts, unaffordable prices, and high taxes.”
She added that classifying condoms as medical devices only increased costs and reduced their affordability.
“This International Condom Day, AHF Nigeria is calling on governments and stakeholders to remove these barriers, prioritise funding, and ensure that free or affordable condoms are available to all who need them.
“To commemorate ICD, AHF Nigeria will host events in Lokoja, Kogi State, on February 13, featuring activities such as free condom distribution, education on condom use, and engaging campaigns to raise awareness.
“Other activities include a road walk with stakeholders, and the free distribution of AHF-branded condoms (Love & Icon) in six other states: Abuja-FCT, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Cross River, and Nasarawa.”
“Additionally, AHF will conduct a testing campaign with free condom distribution, while youths from Kogi, Abuja, Benue, Cross River, and Nasarawa will participate in a video challenge to promote safe sex.”
NAN
