In a move to curb new HIV infections and reinforce prevention awareness, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria, in collaboration with the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency and other key stakeholders, held a road walk in Awka, Anambra State, to commemorate the 2026 International Condom Day, marked yearly on February 13.
 
The advocacy walk, which drew health workers, civil society groups, and government partners, served as both a public sensitisation campaign and a renewed call for responsible sexual behaviour in the state.
 
Speaking during the event, the Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager of AHF Nigeria, Steve Aborishade, said the initiative forms part of AHF’s global efforts to prevent new HIV infections.
 
“AHF is the largest global AIDS organisation. We are in 47 countries, with over 2.7 million persons on our programme receiving care. In Africa, we operate in 14 countries, including Nigeria. Anambra is one of the states where we work,” he said.
 
According to him, International Condom Day is a project initiated by AHF globally to promote preventive measures against HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
 
“We started it because there is a need for people to protect themselves from HIV infection and other STIs. The condom has proven to be the most effective and cheapest method of preventing HIV/AIDS,” Aborishade stated.
 
He explained that the road walk was aimed at popularising condom use and reminding residents that preventing infection eliminates the need for treatment.
 
“The only way we can end AIDS in our country and continent is by stopping new infections. Today, we are sharing AHF-branded condoms to thousands of people in Anambra. The key message is to prevent HIV, stay healthy, and live your life. HIV is preventable, and the biggest route of transmission remains unprotected sex,” he added.