Using condoms is the only method of contraception that when used correctly, can prevent most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - including HIV, and unplanned pregnancies at the same time. It is also among the most effective methods to prevent both. Every year on February 13, the world marks International Condom Day. It strategically precedes Valentine’s Day marked on February 14, as a reminder that love should be accompanied by safe and responsible sexual practices. ALSO READ: World Condom Day: Rwandans tipped on responsible, safe sexual behaviour The 2020 Rwanda Demographic Health Survey (RDHS) reported that 92 percent of women and 95 percent of men aged 15 to 49 know that consistent use of condoms is a means of preventing the spread of HIV. Nevertheless, HIV prevalence in Rwanda stands at 3 percent among individuals aged 15 to 49, with new infections at 0.08 percent. Within the demographic of new infections, 35 percent are youth aged between 15 and 24. This means that although young people know that condoms can prevent the spread of HIV, some of them don’t use it consistently, if at all. Availability of condoms doesn’t necessarily mean that people have access to them, despite being among the cheapest, sometimes even freely available prevention methods. ALSO READ: Making condoms cool again among the youth To encourage the use of condoms, all stakeholders must come together to ensure that several barriers to its use are removed. These include the universal availability of condoms, where they are offered free of charge or at low cost, and in as many convenient locations as possible. Promotion and communication interventions should also be innovative and context-appropriate to ensure consistent and correct use. Another important thing to note is that healthcare workers and other sex education facilitators should be trained to provide unbiased sexual and reproductive health information. The government should also partner with different organisations to ensure that responsible sex practices are normalized and are a culture. On a personal level, we should understand that safe sex is good sex. We should always ensure that we are protected.
