Group to distribute 600,000 condoms in Nigeria
A Non-Governmental Organisation, AIDS HealthCare Foundation (AHF), is targeting to distribute over 600,000 condoms across Nigeria as part of activities to commemorate this year’s International Condom Day.
According to a statement by Steve Aborisade, the Advocacy and Marketing Manager of the Foundation, released Wednesday in Abuja, the day was set aside to promote the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), HIV and unwanted pregnancies.
“The commemoration is usually observed on Feb. 13 in preceding Valentine’s Day, however, the day was moved to Feb. 7 due to the upcoming 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 however 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.
(NAN)
