World Condom Day is observed every year on February 13, a day before Valentine’s Day.
The day is meant to promote safer sex, contraception, and HIV/AIDS prevention while encouraging open conversations about sexual health.
It serves as a reminder that protection, education, and conversation are essential in maintaining sexual health.
As the world commemorates this day, it is worth noting that every year, an estimated more than one million people acquire Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
There is also an estimated 80 million unintended pregnancies globally.
In Kenya, the National AIDS Control Council led the county in marking the day-themed ‘Safer is Fun’.
It seeks to remind Kenyans about condoms and how effective they are in preventing unwanted pregnancies and STIs including HIV.
Condoms are proven to be 98 per cent effective in preventing STIs and HIV.
Purpose and significance of the day
The day is marked to raise awareness about safe sex practices and the importance of condoms in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
It promotes family planning and reproductive health by highlighting the role of condoms in preventing unintended pregnancies.
It further helps combat stigma and misinformation about condom use, encouraging open discussions around sexual health and responsibility.
History
Initiated by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), World Condom Day serves as an advocacy tool to reinforce the global fight against HIV/AIDS and other STIs.
It aligns with Valentine’s Day to emphasise the importance of protection in romantic relationships.
How it is celebrated
Apart from wearing a red ribbon, fundraising for the National AIDS Trust and spreading awareness of issues affecting people living with HIV, health organizations and activists distribute free condoms and provide educational resources.
Campaigns and events conducted during the day include street outreach, social media challenges and community discussions on sexual health.
Other activities are workshops and awareness programs focusing on proper condom use, debunking myths, and the benefits of barrier protection.
Key messages
The key important message to be emphasised during this day is "Safer sex is better sex."
Using condoms helps to reduce the risk of STIs and unplanned pregnancies since condoms are effective when used correctly.
Its consistent and proper use is key to protection.
People are also encouraged to have open conversations that make sexual health a normal part of well-being as a way of breaking the stigma around condom use.
