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Uganda to celebrate international condom day amid calls for increased usage

11 February 2025, 2:55 pm

Director General of Health Services, Dr. Charles Olaro (C), Martha Mbabazi of Uganda Cares (C), and partners during the briefing in Wandegeya, Kampala, on 11th February 2025.

By Byamukama Alozious 

As Uganda joins the world in marking International Condom Day on 13th February 2025, health experts are urging the public to embrace condom use to reduce sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies. The national commemoration will take place in Lukaaya, Kalungu district, focusing on raising awareness and encouraging safe sexual practices.

According to Dr. Mutumba Robert of the AIDS Control Programme, Uganda currently has a stockpile of 90 million condoms, sufficient to last for six months. However, health officials warn that usage remains low despite the risks associated with unprotected sex.

Dr. Mutumba Robert.

Dr. Mutumba Robert, speaking during a briefing, highlighted the importance of condom accessibility and adoption. “Condoms remain a key tool in the fight against STIs and unintended pregnancies. We need to ensure they are widely available and used correctly,” he emphasised.

Martha Mbabazi from Uganda Cares urged the government to prioritise funding for condom distribution, noting that Uganda Cares contributes six million condoms to the total stock. “We encourage abstinence, but we also recognise reality. People need access to condoms to protect themselves,” she stressed.

Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services, acknowledged that condom use has declined due to alternative prevention methods like Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). However, he warned that condoms remain crucial in preventing infections such as Chlamydia, which can lead to infertility in women. 

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, health officials are reinforcing the message of protection, given the likelihood of increased sexual activity. “40% of pregnancies in Uganda are unplanned. Condoms offer a simple, effective way to prevent this while also reducing STI transmission,” Dr. Olaro noted.