Condoms are among the most effective methods for preventing the sexual transmission of HIV, according to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) in Rwanda. AHF Rwanda offers comprehensive services, including HIV prevention, counseling, testing, and integrated non-communicable disease (NCD) services. AHF is a global non-profit organisation providing cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to over two million people in 48 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia/Pacific region, and Europe. The importance of condom use was reiterated on February 13 during International Condom Day (ICD) in Nyagatare District, where free condom distribution and HIV testing were carried out, especially among youth and women. The day was celebrated under the theme: “End AIDS, My Responsibility,” with a call to encourage the consistent and correct use of condoms, particularly among high-risk groups, including youth and women. This theme emphasises the collective responsibility of individuals and communities to prevent HIV transmission. It encourages proactive measures for HIV prevention, with a strong focus on condom use as a key strategy. For the 2025 celebration, the focus was on Nyagatare District—a region significantly impacted by a high number of teenage pregnancies, and a border location with Uganda, leading to high population movements. Nyagatare District, like many parts of Rwanda, continues to face challenges in the fight against the HIV pandemic, particularly among women, girls, and young people. The district also experiences a high incidence of teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), many of which are linked to unsafe and unprotected sexual practices. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about these issues and promote condom use as a vital tool in the fight against HIV, STIs, and teenage pregnancies. Condoms are a simple yet powerful way to stay safer. Free condom distribution and engaging education on condom use remind everyone that condoms are safer and your best protection against HIV, other STIs, and unplanned pregnancies, said Dr Gilbert Mbaraga, who represented the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) during International Condom Day (ICD). Despite over one million new STIs being acquired daily worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, condom use is declining in many parts of the world. Ending HIV/AIDS must include prioritising the prevention of new HIV cases—a goal that cannot be achieved without promoting condoms as an essential tool, he said. To address this, AHF Rwanda conducted a campaign in Nyagatare District, distributing condoms and educating the population. The condoms were also distributed to youth centres and universities, and community forums were held to engage both youth and parents in discussions about condom use and practicing safe sex. The activity was carried out in collaboration with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC). Condoms are the most cost-effective method of protecting against HIV and other STIs, yet many Africans lack access due to barriers such as stockouts, unaffordable prices, and high taxation, said Dr Penninah Iutung, AHF Africa Bureau Chief. Additionally, labelling condoms as medical devices increases costs and reduces their affordability. This International Condom Day, we call on governments and stakeholders to remove these barriers, prioritise funding, and ensure free or affordable condoms are accessible to all who need them. Every year, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) celebrates International Condom Day (ICD) to raise awareness about the importance of condom use in preventing HIV, STIs, unintended pregnancies, and family planning. Despite progress in prevention, care, and treatment, HIV/AIDS remains a critical public health issue. As highlighted in the 2024 UNAIDS Fact Sheet, HIV remains a global epidemic, with 39.9 million people living with HIV worldwide, including 1.3 million new infections in 2023. Women and girls account for 44 per cent of new infections, and Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be the most affected region. In Rwanda, the statistics show 3,131 new infections and 2,620 AIDS-related deaths in 2023, with 67 per cent of new infections occurring among women aged 15-49. Among young women aged 15-24, 43.7 per cent of new infections occurred, underlining the urgent need to address HIV prevention, especially in young populations. Given these statistics, condom use remains one of the most effective methods for preventing HIV transmission and unintended pregnancies. Promoting the correct and consistent use of condoms is crucial in reducing the spread of HIV and supporting reproductive health, especially in high-risk groups. AHF has called for an end to misconceptions and cultural taboos around condom use by engaging community leaders and influencers, in partnership with local organisations, health facilities, and other stakeholders, to coordinate efforts and maximise the campaign’s impact. AHF has reached Inteko y’Abaturage (community forums) to educate community members on HIV prevention, condom use, and safe sexual practices. Free condom distribution with condom dispensers at key locations and hotspots, such as health centres, markets, schools, and community centres, was carried out to ensure wide access. We offered dispensers in universities, East Africa University Nyagatare campus, and the Nyagatare Youth Center, AHF stated. It also conducted awareness activities for youth and installed a condom dispenser at the youth centre to provide knowledge about HIV and easy access to condoms for young people. Additionally, it organised educational activities at the centre. In collaboration with local health centres and organisations, AHF provided free and confidential targeted HIV testing at hotspots in key community locations. This encouraged individuals to know their HIV status, take responsibility for their health, prioritise personal HIV prevention, and be aware of the availability of care and treatment services at nearby health facilities. AHF also organised door-to-door campaigns, street rallies, and community-based discussions to foster open dialogue about HIV prevention in Nyagatare. Juliet Murekatete, the Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs in Nyagatare District, said: The use of condoms is one of the ways to prevent HIV. Fidelity is key among couples. As RBC showed, new HIV infections are rising in Nyagatare District. That is why an awareness campaign is needed in the community and universities. Anti-HIV/AIDS clubs in schools are a key prevention tool. Condoms should be available and used properly. Dr Hakim Mugisha, in charge of the HIV/AIDS programme for youth at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), said that all health centres and hospitals are available to help test for and prevent the spread of HIV. We are also committed to preventing mother-to-child transmission as a key strategy in programmes aimed at preventing HIV transmission from mother to child. In Nyagatare, the HIV new infection rate is at 1.2 per cent, which is alarming. We urge youth to join youth centres for education about prevention and testing. These measures prevent both HIV transmission and teenage pregnancies, he said.
