By Peter Duru
AIDS Healthcare Foundation, AHF, Nigeria says over one million Sexually Transmitted Infections, STI, are being recorded daily across the global an indication of the declining use of condoms.
A statement in Makurdi by AHF Nigeria, Advocacy and Marketing Manager, Steve Aborisade in commemoration of the 2025 International Condom Day, ICD, expressed worry over the development given its implication to the global effort to prevent and end the spread of HIV/AIDS.
He said the global organisation would carrying out free HIV testing and also distribute free condoms to commemorate the ICD.
While inviting Nigerians to join in the celebration, Aborisade noted that “despite more than one million STIs being acquired daily worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, WHO, condom use is declining in many parts of the world. Ending HIV/AIDS must include prioritizing the prevention of new HIV cases — a goal that cannot be achieved without promoting condoms as an essential tool.”
He pointed out this year, “AHF Nigeria will commemorate ICD at Lokoja, the capital city of Kogi state on February 13 with exciting activities, free condom distribution, and engaging education on condom use. There will be free distribution of AHF branded condoms.
“Across the six other AHF Nigeria states (Abuja-FCT, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Cross River and Nasarawa), testing campaign shall take place with free condom distribution while youths from Kogi, Abuja, Benue, Cross River and Nasarawa are participating in a video challenge to promote safe sex.”
Quoting the AHF Nigeria Country Program Director, Aborisade said “we are reminding everyone that using condoms is the best way to prevent HIV, other STIs, and unplanned pregnancies.
“AHF created this day to promote safer sex and make condoms accessible for all. When used correctly, condoms are proven to be effective protection for you and your partner. So, no excuses — wrap it up every time.”
The AHF Africa Bureau Chief, Dr. Penninah Iutung also observed that “condoms are the most cost-effective method of protecting against HIV and other STIs, yet many Africans lack access due to barriers such as stockouts, unaffordable prices, and high taxation.
“Additionally, labelling condoms as medical devices, further increases cost and reduces their affordability. This ICD, we call on governments and stakeholders to remove these barriers, prioritize funding, and ensure free or affordable condoms are accessible to all who need them.”
Aborisade maintained that the ICD, observed annually on February 13, brings awareness about the importance of condoms and other vital sexual health issues. “On ICD and beyond, we remind everyone that condoms are safer, sexy, and your best protection against HIV, other STIs, and unplanned pregnancies.”
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