94 million condoms to be distributed
The City of Johannesburg is on a mission to distribute 94 million free condoms to promote safe sex.
City of Johannesburg’s mission to distribute 94 million condoms before the end of this financial year has started.
Over 33,6 million male and female condoms were delivered during the 2015/ 2016 financial year.
This initiative is to promote the use of condoms and to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections, especially since South Africa has the highest rate of HIV/ Aids infection. This is the fastest growing epidemic in the world.
The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Health and Social Development, Mpho Phalatse, said the goal of this initiative is to fight against HIV/ Aids, TB and STIs, so that the city is characterised by healthy living for all by 2022.
The government has approved the distribution of 45,7 million male and female condoms during 2018/ 2019. These were handed to residents during a health education campaign.
The condoms are being distributed at health facilities, workplaces, shebeens and non-profit organisations in the city in order to reach the target.
Phalatse has encouraged the public to visit health facilities to pick up free condoms, and also learn about STIs.
“While condoms are not 100 per cent safe in preventing unwanted pregnancies and STIs, consistent and correct use of condoms has been shown to significantly reduce the risk. We also encourage abstinence where possible, and faithfulness to one another for those who are sexually active, while making condoms freely available at all facilities.”
Scented female condoms are now available in a bid to improve their use.
Before using condoms, certain things must be taken to consideration, including checking the expiration date on the packaging; not using opened condoms; using condoms made of latex only; using pre-lubricated condoms to prevent them from tearing; not exposing condoms to excessive heat; not using male and female condoms together, and not re-using condoms.
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