According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, more than 1 million people between the ages of 15 and 49 contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI) every day. In Latin America and the Caribbean, this number reaches 200,000 per day. Despite these high figures, condom use is declining in many regions due to lack of access, sexual health taboos, or simply because people resist using them.
In response, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)—the world’s largest nonprofit organization in the global response to HIV and AIDS—has launched its campaign “Just Use It!”, encouraging people, especially young individuals, to use condoms correctly, protect themselves, and stay healthy.
Condoms are the most affordable, accessible, and easy-to-use method for practicing protected and healthy sexuality. There are external (male) condoms, also known as external condoms, and internal (female) condoms for vaginal use. Regardless of the type of sexual practice, using a condom is the key to preventing over 20 sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies.
One of the fastest-growing STIs worldwide is syphilis. Between 2020 and 2022, syphilis cases increased by more than 30% among adults aged 15 to 49 in the Americas, according to a report by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
International Condom Day is celebrated one day before Valentine’s Day worldwide and was initially proposed by AIDS Healthcare Foundation in 2009.
Access is Still a Major Issue
From rural areas to urban centers, the challenge of protecting people in Latin America and the Caribbean from HIV and other STIs lies in ensuring consistent access to condoms, which remain the most affordable method for preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, stated Dr. Patricia Campos, Bureau Chief for AHF Latin America and the Caribbean.
“With one-third of the population living below the poverty line, and nearly 50% among young people, it is urgent to ensure that condoms are available for free and without stigma in public health centers, entertainment venues, and even public transportation systems.
The more accessible condoms are—in terms of both location and cost or gratuity—the more their use will increase, preventing millions of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.”
AHF offers free condoms at all of its healthcare centers for everyone. Find the nearest AHF center and get free condoms. You can also take advantage of free STI screening and treatment, as well as HIV testing, all at no cost—thanks to AHF being a nonprofit foundation.
