Why Reduction In Condom Use By 55% In Nigeria Is Worrisome

Why  Reduction In Condom Use By 55% In Nigeria Is Worrisome

The reduction in the use of condom by 55% in Nigeria should be of great concern to all Nigerians due to the high level of risk that is associated with lack of use of the preventive product during intimacy.

According to a joint United Nations programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) research, condom use in Nigeria has decreased by 55% in the past few years, showing a noticeable obstacle in the fight against HIV.

This revelation was made during the publication of the UN agency’s 2025 World AIDS Day report on Tuesday. The report stated that there was reduction in HIV prevention, testing and community focused programs and that treatments were reducing in many areas.

This revelation shouldn’t be taken lightly as it portends grave danger to all Nigerians. This is so because the fewer the number of Nigerians who use condom during intimacy the greater the number of Nigerians that are likely to be infected by HIV/AIDS.

Condom is one of the commonest preventive tools against sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. Apart from its easy accessibility, it is also handy as birth control measure used in preventing unwanted pregnancy and spacing children for couples that are still having children.

UNAIDS added that fewer people have started HIV treatment in 13 African countries. Across sub-Saharan Africa, nearly 450,000 women no longer have access to mother mentors. Community health workers who assist pregnant women and new mothers in obtaining HIV care and treatment have declined.

The report further stated that the years of progress in HIV prevention and treatment have been overlooked due to low financial supports and a worsening human rights environment.

The financial shortfall has revealed the vulnerability of the advancements we worked tirelessly to secure. Infants are being deprived of HIV testing, young women are losing access to prevention services and whole communities are living without HIV assistance. We must not forsake them, remarked UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima in Geneva.

This is touching in the sense that infants, young women and whole community no longer have access to HIV testing and treatment.

Byanyima also disclosed that young women and girls were already exposed to HIV before the riots, and that according to the survey, 570 girls and young women between the ages of 15 and 24 are being infected by HIV on a daily basis.

UNAIDS warned that lack of prevention efforts will cause women more vulnerable, and that more than 60% of organizations run by women have stopped providing critical services should be taken seriously.

Also, the agency’s projections that additional 3.3 million new HIV cases might occur worldwide between 2025 and 2030 if preventive measures are not restored is not a cheering piece of information to say the least.

UNAIDS call on communities to continue to promote global HIV response and world leaders to protect and grow HIV funding is a call in the right direction.

At a time when global citizens are increasing the use of condom which is one of the most common and effective protection against the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), the decline in the use of condom in Nigeria should be condemned by all and sundry.

Nigerians of all status should use condom during intimacy and also promote its use in order to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV. Sexually transmitted diseases are the major causes of health challenges across the globe and must be taken very seriously.