INTERNATIONAL condom day celebrations for this year are on tomorrow with the event being held in Highfield.
By Kudakwashe Pembere
The celebrations come at a time when condom use has been prevalent in the country preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Put on hold on the back of the COVID-19 related restrictions meant to control the spread of the virus, the celebrations have returned following the loosening of the restrictions.
They start at Lusaka Bus Terminus in Highfield, to Machipisa Shopping Centre, Gazaland Shopping Centre and will be wrapped in Ushewekunze district.
“AHF has planned lively in-person and virtual commemorative “Always in Fashion” ICD events throughout our 45 country teams to highlight the importance of condoms and help people take control of their health through access to safer sex education and free or affordable condoms.
“In Zimbabwe, AHF Zimbabwe will partner with National AIDS Council, South-western District and other stakeholders to commemorate the ICD 2023. There will be a Youth Dialogue on Condoms and related issues, edutainment, condom distribution, street quiz at Gazaland shopping centre, Machipsa, Lusaka in Highfields and provision of family planning, HIV testing services at Ushehwekunze,” said AHF Zimbabwe.
The celebrations have been themed “Always in Fashion.”
“Put on your latex party caps and get ready to share some LOVE with that special someone in your life because International Condom Day (ICD) 2023 has arrived! ICD is a tradition at AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), and we’re famous for putting on exciting, eye-catching “Always in Fashion” events, so be sure to find a fun and fashionable ICD celebration near you!
“Condom advocacy is more vital than ever, with more than 1 million sexually transmitted infections acquired daily across the globe and the world falling woefully short on HIV prevention goals in 2021. But we can turn the tide by working to ensure people worldwide can access condoms wherever they live – as condoms remain the most affordable way to prevent HIV, other STIs, and unplanned pregnancies!,” added AHF.
Condom use has significantly impacted the global HIV/AIDS response, averting an estimated 117 million new HIV infections since 1990, with close to half in sub-Saharan Africa and more than one-third in Asia and the Pacific. However, millions of people globally are still without access to condoms due to many reasons across various parts of the world.
“People want the ability to prevent HIV, other STIs, and unplanned pregnancies – but that becomes much more challenging if widespread condom stockouts, shortages, harmful taxation, and unaffordable prices continue,” said Terri Ford, AHF Chief of Global Advocacy and Policy. “AHF has put condoms and STI prevention at the top of our global priorities to intensify our efforts to get condoms to people throughout our 45 country teams despite the many existing barriers. We encourage everyone to find Always in Fashion ICD event near them and help us promote safer sex!”
