As part of its activities marking this year’s International Condom Day, a non-governmental organization (NGO), Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has carried out free HIV treatment alongside free distribution of more than 600, 000 male condoms to FCT residents.
The organisation akso held a sensitization rally in six states across the federation, including Nasarawa, Benue, Abuja, Kogi, Cross River and Anambra.
Addressing newsmen during the sensitisation rally Thursday in Abuja, AHF State Nursing Coodinator, Ms Christie Awunor, said it was particularly important because of the misconception about sex and the mistakes people make in the use of condoms.
She said: “Our condoms are free, that is why we are distributing them all over the nation. The use of condom is very important, as it is 98 per cent preventive if it is used correctly and consistently. Many people think they can use condoms, but they come back with complaints that they wives got pregnant or that they were infected. That is because they did it use it properly.
“The first thing a condom user should use is to look out for the expiry date written on the wrap. It should be stored in a cold place. It is also advised that you should not open it with your teeth, fingernails or scissors, because you may damage the condom. From the opening, the semen will slip into the vagina, thereby getting the woman pregnant or infected. The use of condoms is to lower the spread of HIV. It also lowers cervical cancer and the associated HPV in women. It is recommended for both men and women.”
Also speaking, the Advocacy and Marketing Manager of AHF Nigeria, Mr Steve Aborisade, said that the choice of today for the distribution of condoms is because of the approaching St Valentine’s Day held on the 14th of February every year and the commencement of the 2019 general elections on Saturday next week.
“We want Nigerians to vote. We believe in the democratic process. We did it purposely for the election. We want to give people the opportunity to move around. It is for people to have fun. We are distributing 600, 000 condoms across six states of Nigeria, including Nasarawa, Benue, Abuja, Kogi, Cross River and Anambra.
“Many people are going to travel to different states to vote in the 2019 general elections next week and you cannot rule out incidences of sexual activities happening in different locations during the election period. Moreover, Valentine’s Day is just a week today and you know that a lot of people express themselves through sex, so the free condoms we are giving will come handy,” he said.
