By Peter Duru, Makurdi

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has called on communities across the country to embrace condom use as a simple, effective tool for preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as it marks International Condom Day (ICD) 2026.

In a statement, the Advocacy and Marketing Manager of AHF Nigeria, Steve Aborisade said this year’s ICD activities would hold in Akwa, Anambra State, and at the University of Abuja, Faculty of Media and Communication Studies, blending entertainment, creativity and education with free condom distribution.

According to Aborisade, the events are designed to put condoms “back in the spotlight” and promote sexual health in a way that is accessible, stigma-free and empowering. “Protecting sexual health should not be complicated or shameful. Our message this year is simple: Just Use It!” he said.

AHF Nigeria warned that the rising global rates of STIs, particularly syphilis, are closely linked to declining funding and reduced prioritisation of condoms in prevention efforts.

The organisation cautioned that without urgent action, setbacks in HIV control could soon follow.

“Each condom used helps safeguard decades of progress in the global HIV response and prevents far more costly consequences in the future,” the statement noted, adding that reversing the trend does not require new scientific breakthroughs but stronger political will and sustained investment.

Aborisade noted that as part of the celebrations, AHF Nigeria would distribute its branded Love and Icon condoms, conduct condom education sessions, and offer free HIV testing and STI screening.

In Akwa, Anambra State, a road walk scheduled for February 12 would see AHF and its partners engage the public through a fun-filled procession while sharing condoms and providing on-the-spot education and testing services.

According to the statement, the following day, February 13, attention would shift to Abuja, where students of the University of Abuja, especially those in the Faculty of Media and Communication Studies, would participate in a prevention symposium aimed at curbing the rising rates of STIs and new HIV infections. The AHF Abuja Wellness Center would also provide free STI screening during the event.

Speaking on the broader African context, Martin Matabishi, AHF Africa Bureau Chief, said prevention had become more critical than ever as funding shrinks. “While HIV and STI burdens remain high across the continent, particularly syphilis and congenital syphilis, Africa is forced to do more with less,” he said.

“Condoms are cheap, effective, and proven, yet too often people can’t get them or face stigma for using them. Governments must step up domestic health financing and remove barriers to access. Cutting prevention now only leads to more infections, higher costs, and lives lost later,” Matabishi added.

Also speaking, Dr. Echey Ijezie, AHF Nigeria Country Program Director, reiterated the importance of consistent condom use. “We are reminding everyone that using condoms is the best and most cost-effective way to prevent HIV, other STIs, and unplanned pregnancies,” he said.

According to him, International Condom Day, observed annually on February 13, was launched by AHF in 2009 to celebrate condoms as a key pillar of global sexual health. This year’s campaign reinforces the message that condoms are “safer, sexy, and essential” in protecting lives worldwide.