International Condom Day: World celebrates innovation that has saved humans from STIs and unplanned pregnancies
While preparations for the much anticipated Valentines Day celebrated on February 14 are in top gear, the world commemorates International Condom Day (ICD).
The event originally created by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) in 2009, highlights the importance of using condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies.
The event, which was specifically chosen to fall a day before Valentine’s Day, when most lovers shower each other with affection and intimacy, attempts to de-stigmatize sexual health topics that have long been shunned by various societies.
About condoms
Deriving its name from the latin language, condoms have been proven to be 98 per cent effective when used appropriately.
Through advancements, the sheath-shaped rubber sacks come in variety including texture and flavour, which often at times reflects the colours, depending on the bedroom excitement one is looking for.
Additionally, the flavors are created from fruit flavors including orange, banana chocolate, strawberry and vanilla among others.
While the male condoms are more popular, internal condoms commonly known as the female condoms are also available.
Kenya celebrates World Condom Day
The celebrations are worldly recognized by various health institutions including the World Health Organisation and Kenya’s National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC) among others.
To mark the celebrations, various organizations are expected to honour the day by holding events where free condoms will be distributed, and a mass education on condom usage will be conducted.
Earlier, the Ministry of Health launched a website dubbed G-Jali to provide information on the use and accessibility of condoms for HIV/Aids prevention in Migori County ahead of the celebrations as part of their radical reforms aimed at reducing the rate of HIV infections in the country.
NSDCC will mark the annual celebrations at Rongo University in Migori County.
The event themed ‘Vybe ni Safe, Just Use It’ will be attended by CECM for Health Caleb Opondi, a section of doctors from the county and AHF Director Samuel Kinyanjui.
Speaking at the event, Kinyanjui reaffirmed the country’s commitment to safe sexual practices and empowerment of young people to create a culture of responsibility.
“Together, we must remain committed to safe sexual practices, empowering young people with knowledge, & creating a culture of responsibility. A future free of new HIV infections is possible,” he said.
