Eight million condoms to celebrate Condom Week in Jozi

10 February 2017

 

To mark this year’s STI-Condom Week - which will be observed from Monday February 13 to Friday February 17 - the City of Johannesburg will distribute more than 8 million male and female condoms to all corners of the metropolis.

 

The week forms an integral part of Reproductive Health Month, which is celebrated in February every year.

Officials of the City’s Health Department will host information-sharing sessions and hold health talks in informal settlements, shopping malls, taxi ranks, hostels, taverns and brothels.

“Condoms are a highly effective barrier method for preventing HIV-Aids and sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs). The City is committed to educating our communities on the importance of being able to identify and treat STIs, but most importantly on prevention methods,” said Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health Dr Mpho Louisa Phalatse.

“STI-Condom Week is an important annual event that focuses on promoting safe sex with the correct and consistent use of condoms to help prevent unwanted pregnancies and the spread of STIs, including HIV. Condoms will be distributed to all health facilities within the City through primary distribution sites and strategic health outlets as well as during outreach programmes.”

The STI-Condom Week also includes condom demonstrations to ensure correct use; STI, tuberculosis and prostate cancer screening; pap smears; diabetes testing; blood pressure screening; and family planning advice.

Regional dialogues focusing on men and the youth will also be held during this week. Community health workers and Jozi Ihlomile HAST door-to-door educators will also conduct several health-related activities in identified areas.

During the 2015-2016 financial year, more than 33.6 million male and female condoms were distributed within the City.

“The National Department of Health and the City are committed to reducing the negative impact of HIV and other STIs and improving the sexual and reproductive health of the population by further increasing the supply, availability and uptake of male and female condoms,” said Cllr Phalatse.

For more information, visit your nearest clinic or health facility or one of the City’s regional primary distribution sites.