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By Akpan David
The Country Director of Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Dr Echey Ijezie, has disclosed that they were able to distribute over 50,000 pieces of condoms in Calabar and other parts of Cross River State on Valentine’s Day.
He made the disclosure when the flag off of the condoms distribution exercise was done by the state commissioner for health Dr Betta Edu in company of director general of Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong.
Ijezie also disclosed that they have been able to distribute 20 million pieces of condoms in Nigeria from 2011 to 2022.
The event was to mark World Condoms Day when greater emphasis is usually laid to caution against risky sexual behaviour.
Giving the ststistics in Calabar Monday morning, he said: “Today, we have already distributed 50,000 condoms in Calabar and other part’s of the state. So far, we have given out over 20 million pieces in Nigeria in 11 years.
“The essence is to curtail or ward off Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), HIV and other dangerous ailments that could last a life time if sexual activity is Donne without condoms.”
He advised that sexually active people should not be shy to visit condom dispensers for it, and cautioned against stigmatisation of condom users.
Speaking at the event before the Street Walk, Betta Edu urged all to be faithful to their partners or abstain from risky sexual behaviours, advising strongly on the use of condoms always.
“Five minutes of so-called enjoyment can lead to lifetime of debilitating ailments if cautions or condoms are not used.
“We aim to drastically reduce prevalence of STD and HIV in Cross River State. We used to be 2nd critically affected state. But it was reduced to 6.6%. last year, it has reduced to 1.8% because due to our determined campaigns, people are becoming more aware and careful.”
Director general of the state primary healthcare development agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong said they are carrying out health campaigns into the hinterlands deliberately, and have also shared the condoms to rural dwellers.
Meanwhile, many residents of Calabar were seen scrambling for the condoms as the group moved along local streets.
Apart form distribution of condoms, the group also conducted free HIV testing and health counselling on Monday morning.
