AHF Marks World Condom Day In Anambra As Stakeholders Renew Call For Safer Sex

Stakeholders in the health sector have renewed calls for responsible sexual behaviour as AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria, in collaboration with the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency and other partners, intensified advocacy against new HIV infections during the 2026 International Condom Day celebration in Awka.

The event, marked with a road walk to commemorate International Condom Day observed annually on February 13, brought together health workers, civil society organisations and government agencies in a public sensitisation campaign aimed at promoting HIV prevention and safer sexual practices.

Speaking at the event, AHF Nigeria’s Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager, Steve Aborishade, said the initiative aligns with the organisation’s global mission to reduce new HIV infections.

According to him, AHF operates in 47 countries worldwide and supports over 2.7 million people on HIV care programmes, with Nigeria among its key focus countries in Africa.

He explained that International Condom Day was initiated by AHF to promote condoms as a proven, cost-effective tool for preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

“The condom remains the cheapest and most effective method of preventing HIV. The only way to end AIDS is to stop new infections. Today, we are distributing thousands of AHF-branded condoms across Anambra State with a simple message: prevent HIV, stay healthy and live your life,” Aborishade said.

Also speaking, AHF Anambra State Coordinator, Vivian Sunday, stressed the importance of partnerships in tackling HIV, noting that the organisation works closely with state agencies and community groups to strengthen prevention and treatment efforts.

She cited data from the 2018 Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS), which puts Anambra State’s HIV prevalence at 2.4 per cent, the highest in the South-East, underscoring the need for sustained public education.

While emphasising abstinence and faithfulness as key preventive measures, Sunday said correct and consistent condom use remains critical for those who cannot adopt either option.

“Condom use is not about promoting promiscuity. It is about taking responsibility for one’s health and that of one’s partner. Condoms offer dual protection against HIV, other STIs and unplanned pregnancies,” she said.

On his part, John Bosco Ementa, Project Manager of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency, described the event as part of ongoing efforts to achieve epidemic control in the state.

He noted that AHF remains a major partner in providing free HIV testing, treatment, condoms and other prevention tools across health facilities in the state, adding that prevention remains more cost-effective than treatment.

“Consistent and correct condom use has been proven to prevent HIV transmission. Our goal is to reduce new infections, achieve viral suppression and ultimately attain epidemic control in Anambra State in line with global targets,” Ementa said.

The road walk ended with the distribution of free condoms and educational materials, reinforcing the message of responsible living and HIV prevention.