By Samkelo Mahlalela | 2020-02-21
INFORMALLY celebrated on February 13th, International Condom Day (ICD) uses its place on the Valentine’s Day eve to offer a timely reminder about the importance of sexual health and relationships.
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organisation operating in 38 countries, celebrates the day by promoting prevention of STIs, HIV and unwanted pregnancies through free condom distribution and safer sex awareness events and activities.
In Eswatini, International Condom Day is led by AHF in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the National Emergency Response Council on HIV/AIDS (NERCHA), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Population Services International (Eswatini).
This year, AHF’s fun and informative International Condom Day was held last Saturday at the George Hotel Gardens to promote HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) prevention and healthy lifestyle choices.
Under the theme “Safer is Sexy” the collaborating partners took HIV prevention to new levels, with the music and prevention edutainment and HIV testing event serving to remind those present that safer really is sexy.
Run under the “Always in Fashion” campaign, the condom marketing and promotion event lived up to its billing and answered the question on many a curious mind, “Where is the fashion sense in condoms?”
Lindiwe Malaza, the National Condom Programming Coordinator at the MoH outdid herself in emphasising the message that condoms (the most affordable way to avoid STIs and unwanted pregnancies) express what sort of person one is, as they make a statement about that person’s priorities - that is, if he/she cares about his/her health and that of the partner.
Speaking at an ICD event in the USA, Terri Ford, AHF Chief of Global Policy and Advocacy noted that AHF’s ICD events are a fun way to bring people together and get them information about how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and healthy. “International Condom Day also helps remind people that there is still an HIV crisis across the globe – and keeping people engaged through the ‘Always in Fashion’ campaign is a great way to raise awareness and fight the epidemic” added Ford.
In the Kingdom of Eswatini, the 2020 International Condom Day served to bring condoms to the spotlight, in a fun way. The day’s activities were directed by Sabelo “DJ Shushu” Sukati and the popular trio of Smallz the Comedian, Silwane and Gogo, not only famous for their videos circulated rapidly and widely on social media but also for their live perfomances on local and international stages. These had the audience in stitches with their funny but highly educational approach to directing the programme.
A partnership with Swaziboy Entertainment, AHF also has put together a music show that appealed to the target audience of the day, sexually active young adults and adults. A plethora of music artists was on the line-up and made the day as fun filled as possible.
KRTC of HipHop delivered a sterling performance that was not only entertaining but was very educational, that was well received by those in attendance. There were also performances by seasoned and exciting artists such as Di Dang, DJ Wicked, DJ Crooks, Mistosoul, Fantasy, to name a few.
AHF President Michael Weinstein is quoted as saying, “AHF is putting sexy back in safer sex. Our brands of condoms, Love and Icon, send clear messages. Love is the best protection!A man can be an Icon by protecting his partner and himself.”
The 2020 ICD also offered the opportunity to distribute thousands of condoms – including Love and Icon by AHF, Protector Plus and different types of scented condoms and lubricants provided by PSI. This was aimed at addressing the fact that though condoms are always in fashion, they are not always available, affordable or attractive.
Promoting condoms important
Weinstein adds that “Promoting safe sex practices is also incredibly important in a time when funding for global health has remained flat for the last several years. That lack of funds also includes money for condoms, so it’s critical that we get the message out about how important they are for staying healthy and disease-free, particularly in countries that experience higher prevalence rates for HIV.”
Condoms are needed to prevent unplanned pregnancies and to stop the spread of STIs (caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites that are transmitted through unprotected sex – vaginal, anal, oral – and skin to genital contact. Bacterial infections include bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, lyphogranuloma venerum (LGV) and syphilis. Viruses cause genital herpes, Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Parasites are responsible for trichomoniasis and pubic lice.
When one considers the correlation of STIs to HIV infection, the role played by STIs is glaringly clear, as in the country, adults aged 15 to 49 now have an estimated HIV prevalence rate of 27 per cent and new HIV infections (15 years and above) are estimated at 6 800. To an extent, STI cases can be used as a measure of the population’s sexual behavior, in terms of condom usage and (dare I say) promiscuity.
That said, it is crystal clear then what needs to be done if we are to achieve the 95-95-95 targets set by the country’s HIV response. To get 95 per cent of people living with HIV that are on antiretroviral therapy, to be virally suppressed, is key to preventing new HIV infections. However, even when people are virally suppressed, condoms will still need to be marketed, embraced and used correctly every time.
Be Fearless - take charge and get tested
Young people should preferably stay away from all sexual activities. Smart boys and girls should be careful what friends tell them about early romantic relationships, as it may tempt them into sexual activity and expose them to unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. It is cool for young people to keep their sexuality until they are matured enough to deal with the consequences of sexual activity. Delaying sexual debut provides capacity for increased responsibility in dealing with sex related problems. It is the safest and smartest option.
With over 90 per cent of the country’s new HIV infections attributed to heterosexual transmission, the condom remains a key prevention tool for all people that choose to have sex. Correct and consistent use of condoms (male and female) as a protective measure when confronted with sexual activity provides an over 95 per cent efficacy in protection against HIV infection. When not used correctly and consistently however, that protection is reduced.
If one chooses to be sexually active, it is important that the person embraces sexual health, is fearless, takes charge and gets tested for HIV and other STIs. While safer sex is important to maintain your sexual health, sex should also be fun. If you practice the followingtips on the regular, you and your partner will be well on your way to many great experiences.
n Get tested regularly! Knowing your status is the foundation for a happier, healthier sex life.
n Empower yourself! Know your safer sex limits to reduce your risk. Enjoy sex without the guilt and panic.
n Consent is key! If you are not comfortable with your partner(s) not wanting to use a condom or not wanting to get tested, communicate that with them and end the situation before it goes further.
n Communication does not kill the mood – It enhances it! Communicating with your partner about your status and safer sex boundaries creates intimacy and alleviates tension, allowing for a stronger relationship. Always discuss these topics before you make it to the bedroom and the clothes come off.
n Talk to your friends about sex. It might be awkward at first but creating a supportive network of friends who speak honestly and comfortably about safer sex empowers you to look out for each other’s health and sexual well-being.
n Do not feel pressured to go all the way.
It is time to take charge of your sexual health! Access sexual and reproductive health services, including HIV testing - the window to HIV prevention, care and support services.
“Safer is Sexy!”
share story
Post Your Comments Below
SOCCER - CAPITAL city side Mbabane Highlanders have announced the appointment of Milton Dlamini a...
Church bodies and individuals have conveyed condolences on the demise of Reverend Dr Nicholas Tha...
Government has filed an urgent application at the High Court seeking an order reviewing and setti...
SPORTS - A star is born.
Local swimmer Luca Fraser was named the 2023 Outstanding Sports Sta...
All material © Swazi Observer. Material may not be published or reproduced in any form without prior written permission.
Design by Real Image Internet