By Asari Eso
The Cross River State Agency for the Control of AIDS (CRSACA) has intensified HIV prevention efforts as stakeholders across the state commemorated 2026 International Condom Day with large-scale sensitization, counselling, and distribution of preventive commodities(Condoms).
The event, sponsored by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), was implemented in collaboration with strategic partners including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and other sexual and reproductive health stakeholders in Cross River.
The commemoration brought together government agencies, development partners, youth-led organizations, and advocacy networks to promote condom use as a safe, cost-effective, and accessible method of preventing HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancies.
Observed annually on February 13, International Condom Day serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible sexual health practices and sustained HIV prevention efforts.
Following a sensitization road walk that commenced from Millennium Park through Calabar Road and terminated at Watt Market, the Director General of CRSACA, Dr. Charles Iwara, emphasized the importance of community engagement in combating the HIV epidemic.
“Condoms remain one of the safest and most cost-effective means of preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, as well as unintended pregnancies. The strong turnout today reflects increasing awareness and shared responsibility in addressing HIV across our communities,” Dr. Iwara stated.
He disclosed that thousands of residents accessed free HIV counselling and testing services during the outreach, while over 36,000 condoms and 5000 lubricants were distributed to participants.
Dr. Iwara also commended the continued support of the Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for prioritizing public health initiatives and strengthening the state’s HIV response framework.
He further announced that CRSACA will assume full coordination of the annual International Condom Day programme from next year, signaling increased state ownership and sustainability of HIV prevention efforts.
Recent national data from the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey indicates that condom use remains inconsistent across the country, particularly during higher-risk sexual encounters, with only about 36 percent of women reporting condom use during their last such encounter. The findings underscore the importance of sustained awareness campaigns and expanded access to preventive services.
Other partners at the event included the University of Calabar Youth Hub, International Society of Substance Use Professionals, Nigerian Youth Network on HIV/AIDS, and the Key Population Health and Rights Network.
Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration with government and partners to strengthen HIV prevention strategies, expand access to essential commodities , and innovative community-driven strategies to reduce new HIV infections and improve public health outcomes across Cross River State.
