Refiloe Molise
The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Lesotho, has announced activities marking International Condom Day, to be celebrated on February 13.
AHF Lesotho Advocacy and Marketing Officer Sebabatso Lentsoenyane said International Condom Day, which was launched in 2009 by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, is aimed at promoting condom use and protecting community health.
“International Condom Day is not just about promoting a product, but about caring for people’s health and wellbeing,” Lentsoenyane said.
She said this year’s theme, “Just Use It,” encourages individuals to prioritise their safety and make informed choices before engaging in sexual activity.
Lentsoenyane emphasised that condoms remain the most effective method of preventing sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and AIDS, as well as unplanned pregnancies.
“This theme speaks directly to personal responsibility. Correct and consistent condom use is still the best protection we have,” she said.
She announced that this year’s commemoration will include a carnival on February 13, 2026, adding that condom distribution has already started in Maseru.
“We want to ensure that everyone has access to condoms, and we hope to see a diverse group of people coming out to receive them,” she said.
She stressed the importance of youth participation in the campaign. “We are not only distributing condoms to older people. We also want young people to come forward and take them to keep themselves safe,” Lentsoenyane said.
She further urged young people to avoid spreading misinformation about condom use. “It is crucial that we share accurate information and help others understand how condoms can empower them to make safer choices,” she said.
Representing the Maseru District Health Management Team, Dr Trio Namane said the activities form part of a global initiative that is also being observed in Lesotho.
“The biggest message we want to pass to our people is to ensure their health by taking measures to prevent any form of infection,” Dr Namane said.
He said the main event on February 13 will start at Maseru Circle and end at Makoanyane Square, where speeches will be delivered to raise awareness about safe sexual practices. Dr Namane added that participants are encouraged to wear traditional Basotho attire as part of the celebrations.
UNFPA Assistant Representative Matšeliso Thakisi said this year’s theme highlights the importance of sexual and reproductive health and its broader impact on society.
“This theme serves as a reminder that we must take these issues seriously, as they significantly affect economic productivity,” Thakisi said.
She noted that Lesotho recorded about 4,500 new HIV infections in 2024, a figure she said demonstrates the urgent need to increase condom use. “The numbers show that we must commit to using condoms to protect ourselves,” she said.
Thakisi said UNFPA, in collaboration with the government, is ensuring that condoms remain accessible to the public free of charge. “In 2024 alone, we procured 18 million male condoms, and this year we plan to distribute 100,000 female condoms and one million lubricants,” she said.
She also appealed to young people to take responsibility for their health. “It is essential to be proactive about your health if we are to build a healthier future for all Basotho,” Thakisi said.
Senior Chancellor at the Ministry of Health, Malintle Mosenene, said the ministry has taken steps to create safe and youth-friendly spaces for health discussions.
“We have established facilities where young people can engage openly, without fear of judgment,” Mosenene said.
She added that access to condoms has been expanded in public health facilities. “In every hospital toilet, we have made condoms available for free to anyone who needs them,” Mosenene said.
AHF Lesotho also committed to continued education on the correct use and proper disposal of condoms, both online and through community outreach, as part of efforts to empower the public to make informed and safer health choices.
Summary
- “We want to ensure that everyone has access to condoms, and we hope to see a diverse group of people coming out to receive them,” she said.
- He said the main event on February 13 will start at Maseru Circle and end at Makoanyane Square, where speeches will be delivered to raise awareness about safe sexual practices.
- AHF Lesotho also committed to continued education on the correct use and proper disposal of condoms, both online and through community outreach, as part of efforts to empower the public to make informed and safer health choices.
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