…Rally residents on condom use to curb HIV
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria, in collaboration with the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) and other partners, have staged a road walk in Awka to mark the 2026 International Condom Day, observed annually on February 13.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that the advocacy march drew health workers, civil society organizations, and government officials, with participants distributing condoms and educating residents on responsible sexual behavior as a key measure to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Speaking at the event, Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager of AHF Nigeria, Steve Aborishade, said the initiative is part of AHF’s global campaign to reduce new HIV infections.
“AHF is the largest global AIDS organization. We operate in 47 countries, providing care to over 2.7 million people. In Africa, we are active in 14 countries, including Nigeria, and Anambra is one of the states where we provide HIV testing and treatment services,” he said.
Aborishade explained that International Condom Day was introduced by AHF to promote HIV prevention.
“There is a need for people to protect themselves from HIV and other STIs. The condom has proven to be the most effective and affordable method of prevention. The only way to end AIDS in our country and continent is by stopping new infections”.
Thousands of AHF-branded condoms were distributed during the walk as Aborishade stressed that HIV remains preventable, particularly when individuals avoid unprotected sex.
AHF Anambra State Coordinator, Vivian Sunday, highlighted the importance of collaboration in tackling HIV.
“We cannot fight this epidemic alone. We partner with government institutions and NGOs, including ANSACA, the State AIDS and STI Prevention Unit, the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS, Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative, the Police Action Committee on AIDS, and other community-based organizations,” she said.
Sunday noted that Anambra has an HIV prevalence rate of 2.4 percent, according to the NAIIS 2018 survey — the highest in the Southeast. “With this data, educating the public on responsible living is critical.
Abstinence remains the best prevention method, faithfulness to one partner comes next, and correct and consistent condom use is also essential”.
She clarified that the campaign does not promote promiscuity but encourages responsible behavior to protect against both HIV and unintended pregnancies.
Project Manager of ANSACA, Johnbosco Ementa, while speaking, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to HIV prevention, treatment, and care.
“As the agency coordinating the multisectoral HIV response in Anambra, we work closely with partners like AHF, who provide free HIV treatment, testing, condoms, and other preventive services across the state”.
Ementa emphasized that International Condom Day is an opportunity to reinforce prevention.
“Consistent and correct condom use prevents HIV transmission. Prevention is better than cure. Our goal is to reduce new infections and achieve epidemic control in Anambra State,” he added.
He also noted that condoms are available free in health facilities and at affordable prices in pharmacies and through patent medicine vendors across the state.
