ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – UNFPA promoted the Condomize Campaign at the 13th World Congress on Public Health in Addis Ababa from 23-27 April, together with DKT Ethiopia, Wise up and Timeret Lehiwot Ethiopia.
The campaign, with it’s motto “Condomize! Don’t Compromise!”, was promoted to thousands of participants from 168 countries. It easily became one of the most visited venues at the congress.
A pouch holding a postcard with a special message and condoms was put in the bags handed out to all participants at the congress, and condoms and t-shirts bearing the motto were also distributed.
Traditional music shows and coffee ceremonies were held to promote the campaign, which received enthusiastic support.
13 billion condoms needed annually
Global practices show that the male latex condom and female condoms are the most efficient, available technology to reduce the sexual transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. They are also a method for family planning. An estimated 13 billion condoms per year are needed, according to UNAIDS.
The Condomize Campaign was first hosted at the 16th International Conference AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) in Addis Ababa in December last year. The campaign is being undertaken at various events to create space for people to talk about condoms in public and promote their use.
