UN, Cross River govt establish 18 condoms dispensing points to promote safe sex practices
The Cross River State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA,
has established 18 condom dispensing points in Calabar to enable residents have easy access to them.
The state government noted that the move is in effort to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS, promote safe sex practices, and prevent other sexually transmitted infections, even as the state prepares for the annual Calabar Carnival where thousands of visitors are expected to throng the city in December.
In the first phase of the initiative, 18 condom dispenser sites have been identified within the metropolis to enhance accessibility, particularly for high-risk groups and vulnerable populations.
Speaking at the inauguration of one dispenser located at the Cross River State Agency for the Control of AIDS, SACA, on Ndidem Usang Iso Road, Calabar, the Director General of the Agency, Dr Charles Iwara, explained that this initiative is part of the State Government’s strategic plan to promote condom use as part of its goal to achieve zero HIV/AIDS infections by 2030.
Dr Iwara noted that out of the 18 identified sites, 10 are operational, including locations such as the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Palladium, UNFPA Office, SACA Office, Marina Resort, Airport Field, 10/10, Atekong Junction, and General Hospital on Mary Slessor Avenue.
“This effort is part of a larger campaign to promote safe sex practices and raise awareness about HIV prevention in the metropolitan area. We also plan to install more dispensers throughout greater Calabar, extending from Bakassi to Akamkpa and further across the state in due course,” he said.
“In addition to the free condom distribution, we are providing sexual education, testing, and counseling at our office and encourage members of the public to utilize these services at any nearby public hospitals,” he added.
“This initiative aligns with global efforts to prevent HIV transmission and aims to reduce new infections. By providing accessible and free condoms, the State Government and its partners are making significant strides in promoting public health and well-being in Cross River State,” he reiterated.
“With the Christmas Village set to open on December 1, we recognize that young people may engage in unsafe sexual practices. Establishing these dispensers and raising awareness now ensures that everyone knows the available resources to obtain free condoms before that busy season,” he emphasized.
Dr Iwara expressed gratitude to UNFPA for donating condoms, which he believes will play a crucial role in reducing the spread of HIV, stressing that condoms are available free of charge for individuals aged 18 and above and encouraged the community to take advantage of these services.
He also urged the targeted populations to find their nearest condom dispensary, which operates 24/7 for free condom distribution, while encouraging them to practice abstinence until marriage.
