Johannesburg, South Africa – February 13, 2025 – International Condom Day (ICD) is here, reinforcing the message that safe sex is always in fashion! Initiated by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) in 2008, ICD is dedicated to raising awareness about condom use as a crucial tool in the fight against HIV, STIs and unplanned pregnancy. This year, AHF South Africa kicked of commemorations to strengthen its condom advocacy efforts with a vibrant activation in Ratanda, Gauteng, featuring a unique condom fashion showcase by young aspiring designers and learners, alongside free condom distribution, healthcare services and interactive educational activities. Additional activations will be carried out in KwaZulu Natal and Eastern Cape, targeting key populations and engaging strategic stakeholders, encouraging the government of South Africa to take up the mandate to popularize condom use.

With more than 1 million STIs acquired daily worldwide and declining condom use in many regions, the urgency to promote accessibility and awareness is greater than ever. South Africa, home to the world’s largest HIV epidemic, continues to battle alarmingly high infection rates, particularly among young people. Despite this, barriers such as condom stockouts, affordability issues, and stigma persist, limiting access to this vital prevention tool.

“Increasing condom access and normalising their use is fundamental to reducing HIV and STI transmission,” said Ngaa Murombedzi, Southern Africa Regional Advocacy and Policy Manager for AHF South Africa. “Through creative activations like the Ratanda condom fashion showcase, we aim to spark dialogue, challenge stigma, and empower young people to take control of their sexual health. Safe sex is not a privilege—it’s a right.”

AHF Africa Bureau Chief, Dr. Penninah Iutung, echoed this call to action, urging governments and stakeholders to remove restrictive policies and increase funding for free and affordable condoms. “Condoms remain the most cost-effective method of protection against HIV and STIs, yet many people across Africa still face unnecessary obstacles in accessing them. We urge policymakers to reduce taxation, eliminate medical device classifications that inflate costs, and ensure continuous supply to those who need them most.”

Condom Facts for South Africa:

• South Africa distributes nearly 850 million male condoms and 30 million female condoms annually, yet access remains inconsistent in many communities.
• Youth (ages 15-24) account for nearly one-third of new HIV infections, underscoring the need for targeted condom advocacy.
• Despite widespread availability, male condom use declined from 85% in 2008 to 58% in 2017 among young men aged 15-24.
• Female condom use remains critically low due to limited awareness and availability.

As International Condom Day 2025 unfolds, AHF South Africa reaffirms its commitment to breaking down barriers, promoting inclusive conversations, and ensuring condoms remain accessible to all. The Ratanda activation is just one of many ways AHF continues to bridge the gap between advocacy and action.