AYV News February 14, 2023
Sierra Leone will today 14th February, join the world to commemorate the International Condom Day.
According to the country’s National HIV/AIDS Secretariat, every year on this day, Condom Day is commemorated globally to raise awareness on the prevention of HIV/AIDS.
As part of events marking the commemoration in Sierra Leone, the Secretariat has kicked off a 4-day event with activities including football matches, street marathon and beauty pageant show, where experts will talk about safe sex, sexually transmitted diseases and timely pregnancy.
Minister of Youth, Mohamed Oman Bangura, spreading the message of safe sex to young people, advised them not to shy away from sex education as it is important for their wellbeing and growth.
Director General of the National HIV/AIDS Secretariat, Abdul Rahman C. Sesay said the HIV/AIDs virus is prevalent among young people in Sierra Leone, so it is imperative that, the youth are targeted to educate them about the danger of unsafe sex and why they must use Condom.
“This year, we focus on the youth, that is why you can see the activities are centered around youth to capture their attention to the risks involve in unprotected sex which normally leads to contracting STDs and acquiring unwanted pregnancy. So, this year, we are commemorating the Day to create awareness”. Director Sesay said.
Country Program Manager of Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Miatta J. Kaisamba encouraged youth to be tested and not be afraid. She encouraged youth to know their status.
Representatives of UNFPA, Care Sierra Leone, KFW echoed similar messages of safe sex through the use of condom.