HIV prevention: Foundation to distribute free condoms in Benue, Kogi, other states

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has called for the regular use of condoms among couples to promote safe sex and prevent HIV/AIDS.

In a statement issued in Makurdi, Benue State, the organisation’s Advocacy and Marketing Manager, Steve Aborisade, emphasized that condoms remain one of the most effective protections against HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unplanned pregnancies.

As part of efforts to raise awareness, AHF Nigeria will celebrate International Condom Day on Thursday, February 13, across various states, including Benue, Kogi, and Akwa Ibom, distributing free AHF-branded condoms.

The event will feature a road walk involving students, civil society organisations, government officials, and transport workers to encourage condom use and highlight its role in HIV prevention.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), despite over one million STIs being acquired daily worldwide, condom use has declined, particularly among young people. Data shows a drop in condom use among sexually active adolescents from 70% to 61% among boys and from 63% to 57% among girls between 2014 and 2022.

Nigeria, which has the largest HIV epidemic in West and Central Africa, records a 1.3% prevalence rate among adults aged 15–49 years.

AHF Nigeria’s Country Programme Director, Dr. Echey Ijezie, stressed the importance of prioritizing HIV prevention, stating that condoms are a proven and essential tool in the fight against new infections.

“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,” Dr. Ijezie said.