The National HIV/AIDS Secretariat in collaboration with other development partners celebrated the International Condom Day with the theme: “Always in fashion” at the Ahmed Tejah Kabbah Hall, Eastern Technical University, Kenema.
Every year February 13 is commemorated International Condom Day which seeks to remind the public that condoms prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancy.
It’s also a day to promote the use of condoms to provide protection from HIV.
Despite increased education and testing, sexually transmitted diseases continue to be a huge problem in many parts of the world. According to the latest statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1 million STDs are acquired every day. Many of these STDs have no symptoms, or the symptoms are mild. Because of this, people unknowingly transmit these diseases to others. When a pregnant woman has an STD, it can result in birth defects or a stillborn baby.
The celebration started with condom distribution, testing, condom fashion show and marathon.
In his statement, the Regional Coordinator for the NAS Eastern Region, James Magbety appealed to everyone present to pay attention to the various speakers.
In his presentation the medical officer for Aids Healthcare Foundation Sierra Leone (AHF-SL) for the south and east, Dr Jalloh said safe sex is right to be promoted.
He said partners in the HIV response are celebrating International Condom Day (ICD) starting from the 12 to 14 February in conjunction with Valentine’s Day to remind people that one of the easiest ways to look after our health, and the health of our sexual partners is to use condoms.
Dr Jalloh said when condoms are used consistently and correctly, it would help to stop the transmission of STDs such as HIV and also prevent unwanted pregnancies.
He said teenage pregnancy and sex are on the rise and as such it has become very much important to educate teenagers of the risks and the danger of unprotected sex.
The Prevention Program Coordinator for AHF- SL, Madam Esther said this year celebration they decided to target the tertiary institutions so that they could build the knowledge of the students on how to protect themselves from STD’S and unwanted pregnancies.
she appealed to young people to be ambassadors in spreading out the message.
The Country Director for UNAIDS, Mr Isaac Ahemesah said thousands of young people are infected with HIV/AIDS. He said 29% of young girls got pregnant before getting to 19 years. He said the proper use of condoms would help prevent health challenges.
The Minister of Youth Affairs, Oman Bangura advised young people to focus on their studies. He assured NAS that his ministry is always ready to give support whenever they are called upon.