International Condom Day: AHF demands abstinence, safe sex to curb HIV scourge

In celebration of the 2025 International Condom Day (ICD), usually held every February 13, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has advised Nigerians to abstain from unprotected sex or use condoms correctly.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Marketing Manager of AHF Nigeria, Mr Steve Aborisade, said the foundation 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. 

The statement read: “Despite more than 1 million STIs being acquired daily worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, 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. 

“To address this, AHF Nigeria’s ICD event will include a road walk involving students of higher institutions and members of the civil society in Kogi, including the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport worker (NURTW) with government officials from the state Ministry of Health and the State Agency fot the Control of AIDS amongst others.

“There will be free distribution of AHF branded condoms (Love & Icon) as we match from the Kogi state Ministry of Health through the Post Office, all the way to the Ganaja bridge, through the Specialist Hospital and terminates at the Federal University Lokoja. 

“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.”

“We’re 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”, said Dr. Echey Ijezie, AHF Nigeria Country Program Director.

“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,” said Dr. Penninah Iutung, AHF Africa Bureau Chief. 

“Additionally, labelling condoms as medical devices, further increases cost and reduces their affordability. This International Condom Day, 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.”

“Observed annually on February 13, International Condom Day 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.”