World Condom Day: FCT Residents say Distribution Morally Wrong

International Condom Day seeks to promote the use of condoms as a means of preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

As some countries around the world mark International Condom Day (ICD) to raise awareness and promote the use of condoms, some Abuja residents say its distribution should be a private and confidential matter.

Condoms are made from various materials such as latex, non-latex, lambskin, and even female condoms. Condoms, latex and, polyurethane versions, are the only method available to prevent transmission of STIs and HIV.

However, the residents told NAN in separate interviews on Saturday in Abuja that condom distribution was morally wrong and could send a wrong message to the recipients.

Mrs. Esther Okadigwe, a businessman residing in Abuja, told NAN that condom distribution was capable of negatively influencing the youths.

She advised youths to abstain from sexual activities until the age of marriage.

She added that “as the lover’s day approaches — the valentine on Feb. 14 — you see a lot of youths giving their body to sexual exploitation in the name of love.

“It is wrong to do that in the name of love. If your partner loves you, he should not ask for your body before marriage, so, a condom is unnecessary when we understand this.”

Another FCT resident, Mrs Sylvia Oguamanam, a trader, said condom was being misused by adolescents for promiscuity.

Oguamanam, who affirmed the importance of condoms in the prevention of STDs and unplanned pregnancies, however, decried the manner youths use them to promote promiscuity.

According to her, it should either be regulated strictly for married couples or be kept out of circulation because of the motive of some youths, especially during the valentine.

Mr Nurudeen Sambo, a driver in FCT, also said that “condom has desecrated the human spirit in many ways, including exposing the younger people to early sex.”

Sambo, who vehemently opposed the use of condoms, said it was antithetical to the divine law of procreation.

Meanwhile, Dr. Usman Ali, a medical doctor at a private hospital in the territory, said “condom can be successfully used to check STDs, HIV, and unintended pregnancies if used correctly.”

He explained that “just like its definition, the condom is a barrier contraceptive made from latex rubber, a synthetic rubber called polyisoprene, or a very thin plastic called polyurethane.

“It is used as a method of birth control for married couples and not for immoral acts. It can also be used to check the transmission of STDs and HIV and to keep safe.”

International Condom Day is promoted by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation as part of an effort to reduce the spread of HIV. Since its inception in 2009, it has been an informal observance celebrated in conjunction with Valentine's Day.

February 13, 2021