Kogi State has joined the global community in commemorating International Condom Day, an initiative led by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria in collaboration with the Kogi State Ministry of Health. The event featured a roadshow and awareness campaign focused on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the crucial role of condom use in preventing these infections.
Dr. Folashade Ayoade, Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, expressed appreciation for the efforts of AHF Nigeria and other stakeholders in organizing the event. She encouraged individuals to prioritize the use of condoms, highlighting its effectiveness in providing triple protection against HIV, STIs, and unplanned pregnancies.
Dr. Onyeyili Ikemefuna, the Kogi State Coordinator of AHF Nigeria, underscored the significance of International Condom Day, which is observed globally on February 13th. He emphasized the importance of educating the public about the risks associated with STIs and unintended pregnancies, emphasizing the role of condoms in mitigating these risks.
Ikemefuna urged the community, particularly young people, to embrace condom use without hesitation, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding against STIs and unwanted pregnancies. He reassured the availability of an ample supply of condoms provided by AHF Nigeria, distributed free of charge to the public.
Mr. Steve Aborishade, Advocacy and Marketing Manager at AHF Nigeria, emphasized the necessity of promoting condom use, especially among the youth. He acknowledged the challenges of advocating for abstinence alone, noting the rising rates of STIs, including HIV/AIDS, within the population.
Aborishade stressed the preventive benefits of condom use in averting STIs, unwanted pregnancies, and safeguarding aspirations. He emphasized the importance of normalizing condom use as a preventive measure, advocating for the eradication of stigma associated with condom usage.
Dr. Francis Akpa, Director of Public Health at the Kogi State Ministry of Health, reiterated the critical role of condoms in preventing HIV, STIs and unintended pregnancies. He commended AHF Nigeria for their support in promoting HIV/AIDS care in Nigeria.
The event featured a health talk on STIs and a demonstration of the proper way to use condoms. It was organized by AHF Nigeria in partnership with the Kogi State Ministry of Education, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), NGOs, partners, and other relevant stakeholders.
Dorothy Onoja
PRO
Ministry of Health
