Written by Bernard Otu
It’s that time of the year again—International Condom Day! Observed annually on February 13th, this day is more than just about a contraceptive tool; it’s about empowering individuals to take control of their sexual health, foster stigma-free discussions, and celebrate safer relationships.
At Education as a Vaccine (EVA), we believe that when young people are equipped with accurate information and the right skills, they can make informed decisions that strengthen their health and protect their rights. This belief fuels our efforts to normalize conversations about sexual health and dismantle the barriers that keep young people from accessing condoms and other essential health resources.
Oluwatosin Alagbe, Head of Programs, Education as a Vaccine. Giving her welcome remarks at EVA 2025 Pre condom day activity.
According to AHF, Condom use has faced a decline in recent years, partly due to the increasing availability of medications like PrEP and PEP that prevent HIV transmission. However, these alternatives don’t protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), leaving a critical gap in comprehensive sexual health. Condoms, which have averted an estimated 117 million new HIV infections since 1990, remain indispensable in safeguarding against both STIs and unintended pregnancies.
This year, EVA went beyond distributing condoms or sharing safer-sex tips. We tackled the stigma head-on by creating an inclusive, engaging space for young people to learn, create, and share their stories.
Participants at the 2025 Pre-Condom day Activity
Our pre-Condom Day activities began with a call for creative video submissions on digital platforms. Young people were invited to share innovative ideas, personal stories, or messages around condom use and sexual health. The submissions we received showcased a range of perspectives, emphasizing the importance of accurate information, breaking taboos, and empowering youth to lead the conversation on safer sex.
To complement these online engagements, as part of our activity lineup for the 2025 international condom day, we hosted a “Sip, Gear & Art up with Condoms” pre-condom day activity. An interactive activity where young participants repurposed condoms into crafts, art pieces, and advocacy tools. This hands-on session wasn’t just about fun; it was a bold step toward breaking the shame often associated with buying, using, or even talking about condoms.
Among the participants was 19-year-old Muyiba(Not real name), a university student who shared her initial discomfort with purchasing condoms at a local store. “I always felt like people were judging me,” she said. “But through this activity, I realized it’s not about them—it’s about my health and my choices. I now feel more confident to prioritize my safety.”
Moreso, a key highlight of the activity was when Didi noted that it was her first time seeing a female condom. In her words “I’m only aware of male condoms, i never knew that female condoms existed nor have i seen or held one before. Most importantly, I learnt how to use a female condom. This is more than a learning experience for me.”.
The atmosphere was electric—filled with laughter, camaraderie, and candid conversations. Participants explored topics ranging from consent and boundaries to sexual autonomy and the importance of mutual respect in relationships. Through creativity and dialogue, the stigma surrounding condoms began to dissolve, replaced by empowerment and pride.
Stigma thrives where misinformation flourishes. That’s why EVA integrates education into every campaign, ensuring that young people have access to reliable information about condom use, effectiveness, and impact.
Following the Sip, Gear & Art up with Condoms activity, we participated in the National Condom Summit, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS. The summit fostered peer-to-peer learning and intergenerational dialogue, focusing on youth-centered strategies to promote condom use. These conversations underscored the interconnectedness of sexual health, consent, and gender equality, highlighting the need for comprehensive approaches to public health advocacy.
Group picture from the National Condom Summit
National Condom Day isn’t just a one-day campaign—it’s a movement that emphasizes sexual health as a fundamental right. It’s a call to action for everyone to join in creating a world where young people can access resources, make informed choices, and live free from stigma and shame.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, we invite you to not only celebrate love but also sexual safety because safer sex isn’t just smarter sex, —it’s a commitment to equity, respect, and self-care. Join us in shaping a healthier future where condom use is normalized, celebrated, and accessible to all.