Cape Town - Condoms are a fun and fashionable way to protect yourself.
This was the message from the world’s largest global non-profit Aids organisation, the Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF). The foundation operates in 39 countries with more than 860 000 patients in care.
“Our key message remains that condoms are ‘Always in Fashion’ - regardless of how long you have been with, and how well you think you know, your intimate partner, condom use is critical,” said Hilary Thulare, country programme director, AHF South Africa.
“Condom use not only prevents the chances of pregnancy, but also prevents sexually transmitted infections and HIV/Aids, along with reducing the risk of cervical cancer and wart-causing human papillomavirus (HPV) in women."
The foundation also unveiled its 2018 International Condom Day song, Tried and True, a parody of Ed Sheeran’s chart-topping hit single, Shape of You.
“Condoms are under attack in global public health, with governments and international agencies slashing funds,” said AHF chief of global policy, advocacy and marketing, Terri For.
“This will most likely lead to more infections worldwide - but thankfully, International Condom Day is a way to reinvigorate the message that condoms are a fun and fashionable way to protect oneself and one’s partner while reinforcing the tenet that condoms should be available for free to anyone who needs them.”
A Unaids and UN Population Fund paper says: “Despite the low cost of condoms, international funding for condom procurement in sub-Saharan Africa has stagnated in recent years. Collective actions at all levels are needed to support the efforts of countries that depend on external assistance for condom procurement, promotion and distribution.”