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By Sunny A. David, Awka
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has renewed its call for responsible sexual behaviour and increased condom use among consenting adults in Anambra State following reports that the state has an HIV prevalence rate of 2.4 percent the highest in Nigeria’s South-East region.
The appeal was made in Awka by the AHF State Coordinator, Dr. Vivian Sunday, during activities marking the 2026 International Condom Day, observed annually on February 13.
International Condom Day is aimed at promoting condom use as an effective method of preventing unintended pregnancies and reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. The theme for this year’s campaign is “Safer is Sexy, Wrap it Up.”
Dr. Sunday noted that the 2.4 percent prevalence rate, as indicated in the 2018 NAIIS survey, highlights the urgent need for sustained public awareness and preventive education across the state.
She explained that AHF is working closely with the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency, the State AIDS and STI Prevention Unit, networks of people living with HIV, community-based organisations, and partners such as the Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative to intensify sensitisation campaigns on condom use.
According to her, advocacy remains a key strategy in combating the spread of HIV.
“We cannot tackle this challenge alone. Collaboration with stakeholders is critical. New infections are still being recorded, and condom use remains one of the most proven and cost-effective preventive measures against HIV and other STIs,” she said.
While emphasising that abstinence is the most reliable form of prevention and mutual faithfulness between partners is strongly encouraged, Dr. Sunday stressed that consistent and correct condom use is essential where abstinence or fidelity is not practiced. She added that condom use reflects responsibility toward personal and partner health, offering dual protection against infections and unplanned pregnancies.
She clarified that the campaign does not promote promiscuity but rather encourages individuals to safeguard their health.
Also speaking, AHF Nigeria’s Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager, Mr. Steve Aborishade, said the event was intentionally held a day before Valentine’s Day to encourage young people to make informed and responsible decisions.
He acknowledged that although abstinence is ideal, many adolescents and youths struggle to maintain it, contributing to rising cases of unintended pregnancies and new HIV and STI infections. He described condoms as one of the most affordable and effective tools for prevention and called for sustained education to empower young people.
In his remarks, the Project Manager of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency, Mr. John Bosco Ementa, said the awareness programme forms part of broader efforts to achieve epidemic control in the State.
He explained that the agency coordinates the state’s multi-sectoral HIV response, overseeing prevention, treatment, care, and support services. He commended AHF as a key partner providing free HIV testing, treatment, condoms, and other preventive services across health facilities in Anambra.
The event featured a public awareness walk and free distribution of condoms to residents.
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