The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, a non-governmental
organisation, has claimed that Nigeria suffers from a deficit of 564 million
condoms annually.
To check the trend, AHF says it will distribute over
600,000 condoms across the country as part of activities to commemorate this
year’s International Condom Day.
The Advocacy and Marketing Manager of the Foundation, Mr.
Steve Aborisade, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja said the day was set
aside to promote the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections, HIV and
unwanted pregnancies.
“The commemoration is usually observed on February 13 in
preceding Valentine’s Day; however, the day was moved to February 7 due to the
2019 general elections.
“The condoms will be distributed in Abuja and five other
states of Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Anambra and Cross River,’’ he said.
The Country Programme Director, Dr. Echey Ijezie,
AHF-Nigeria, said that the Nigerian National Condom Strategy emphasised a
deficit of 564 million condoms annually in the country.
He said the National AIDS and Reproductive Health Survey
2012 indicated that despite the increased awareness about condom in Nigeria,
there is still low acceptance.
“Abstinence from sex, for those who can, remains very
effective in preventing STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
“AHF is confident that when we keep reminding people
about using condoms with access to free condoms, we would have helped to reduce
new HIV and STIs, prevent unwanted pregnancies, while promoting healthy
lifestyle choices,’’ Ijezie said.
According to Chief Global Policy and Advocacy AHF, Mr.
Terri Ford, condoms are still the cheapest and best option for preventing HIV,
STDs, and unwanted pregnancies.
“Our International Condom Day events are a fun way to
bring people together and get them information about how to keep themselves and
their loved ones safe and healthy.
“International Condom Day also helps remind people that
there is still an HIV crisis across the globe,’’ he added.
AHF President, Mr Michael Weinstein, also said that
promoting safe sex practices was also important in a time when funding for
global health has remained flat for the last several years.
He said that lack of funds also includes money for
condoms, adding that it is critical to stay healthy and be disease-free,
particularly in countries that experience higher prevalence rates for HIV.
AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the largest global AIDS
organisation, currently provides medical care and services to more than one
million clients in 43 countries.
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