The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has unveiled initiatives aimed at enhancing condom awareness and usage in response to the surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) within Nigeria and globally.
In a statement released on Monday, the Foundation highlighted that neglecting preventive measures could jeopardize the progress achieved in the fight against HIV.
As part of its celebration for the 2026 International Condom Day (ICD), AHF will coordinate public events in Anambra State and Abuja, which will include road walks, free distribution of condoms, HIV testing services, and sexual health education. This year's campaign is themed "Just Use It."
The organization emphasized that condoms continue to be one of the most effective and accessible means of preventing HIV, other STIs, and unplanned pregnancies, despite their decreasing focus amidst declining global health funding.
Rising rates of STIs, particularly syphilis, have been linked to diminished emphasis on preventive care. AHF asserted that the global spike in STI cases, especially syphilis, is a direct consequence of the reduction in funding and the lack of prioritization for condom usage in prevention efforts.
To combat this trend, AHF warned that failing to act could lead to an increase in new HIV infections. They noted, "Every condom used contributes to preserving decades of progress in the global HIV response and helps avoid significantly higher costs and loss of life."
Reversing the current trend does not necessitate new scientific advancements but rather requires political will, ongoing financial investment, and a renewed commitment to making condoms both affordable and widely accessible to those who need them most.
In line with its initiatives, AHF will host a road walk in Anambra State on February 12, where volunteers and partners will distribute free AHF-branded Love and Icon condoms while also providing education on condom usage and offering free HIV testing to the public.
The campaign will then shift to the University of Abuja on February 13, focusing on the Faculty of Media and Communications Studies with a symposium aimed at addressing escalating STI rates and preventing new HIV infections. The AHF Abuja Wellness Centre will also provide free STI screenings during this event.
The events are designed to make sexual health protection accessible and free of stigma, particularly for younger people.
According to estimates from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, the adult HIV prevalence rate among individuals aged 15 to 49 in Nigeria is approximately 1.3 to 1.4 percent, translating to about 1.9 million Nigerians living with HIV. This places Nigeria among the countries grappling with the most significant HIV epidemics worldwide.
States like Rivers, Benue, and Akwa Ibom report high numbers of residents living with HIV, while major urban areas such as Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory also document considerable case counts. In December, AHF highlighted its activities during World AIDS Day, which aimed to expand access to STI services and testing in Nasarawa State as part of efforts to address ongoing gaps in prevention, screening, and care. The Foundation reiterated that increasing awareness and services is essential for Nigeria's strategy to reduce new HIV infections.
Martin Matabishi, AHF’s Africa bureau chief, emphasized that the continent faces mounting pressure as donor funding declines, making prevention more crucial than ever. He noted that while the burden of HIV and STIs, particularly syphilis and congenital syphilis, remains high, Africa is compelled to do more with fewer resources.
He further mentioned, "Condoms are a cost-effective and proven method of prevention; however, many individuals struggle to access them or encounter stigma for their use. With decreasing donor funding, it is vital for governments to enhance domestic health financing and eliminate access barriers, ensuring condoms are freely available."
Matabishi cautioned that cutting back on prevention efforts would likely result in increased infections, soaring costs, and loss of life in the future.
In conclusion, AHF Nigeria’s Country Programme Director, Echey Ijezie, underscored that the campaign aims to reinforce a well-established message. He reiterated that using condoms remains the most effective and cost-efficient way to prevent HIV, other STIs, and unplanned pregnancies.
International Condom Day, which was initiated by AHF in 2009 and celebrated annually on February 13, seeks to promote the role of condoms as a vital tool for sexual health protection globally. The campaign challenges societal stigma by framing condom use as responsible and empowering. AHF is a global non- profit organization dedicated to providing HIV/AIDS medical care, currently supporting over 2.8 million individuals in 50 nations, including Nigeria. As STI rates continue to rise and prevention budgets tighten, the organization emphasizes its clear message for this year: condoms remain effective, and neglecting their use comes with serious consequences.
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