Authorities decry low uptake of condoms
Authorities in Bushenyi district have asked government to focus on sensitization of masses on appropriate condom use.
Nobert Gumisiriza, the Bushenyi district HIV/AIDS network forum coordinator made the call while reacting to a report released by Uganda AIDS commission on World Condom Day which revealed that 72% of men lack knowledge of how to use condoms.
He also added that even female condoms are expiring in stores as a result of not knowing how to use them saying they are nowadays receiving new infections despite the government’s efforts to distribute free condoms to all public places.
Speaking to reporters, Gumisiriza said there is a need for the government to prioritize awareness to ensure proper knowledge on how to correctly use condoms saying this will prevent and control the spread of HIV /AIDS.
Relatedly, in Kazo district, Health workers urged Youths, discordant Couples and Sex workers to always use condoms for them to be sure of 95% protection from diseases like HIV/AIDs, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B among others.
The remarks were made by Dr Elias Amutuhaire of Exodus Medical Services located in Kiringa-Burunga –Kazo District while speaking to Kazo FM in an exclusive interview during World Condom Day.
Dr Amutuhaire noted that once one uses a Condom, it protects them against sexually transmitted diseases and infections as well as preventing unwanted pregnancies.
World Condom Day also known as International Condom Day was established in 1987 in reaction to the HIV/AIDS crisis by the US-based nonprofit AIDS Healthcare Foundation and is celebrated on February 13 every year across the world.
The day is designed to highlight the benefits of condom use and advocating for its availability and accessibility and to empower people to make informed decisions about their sexual health and well-being.
It also serves as an opportunity to break down the stigma surrounding condoms and promote open discussions about sexual health, ultimately contributing to healthier communities worldwide.
This year in Uganda, the celebrations of World condom Day were held in Lyantonde district under the theme ‘Safer is fun’.
