By Onwa Ekor
Ahead the yuletide and determined to encourage safe sex practice, Cross River government in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has established condom dispensers around the state capital.
In the first phase of the initiative, 18 condom dispenser sites have been identified within the metropolis to enhance accessibility, particularly for high-risk groups and vulnerable populations.
Speaking at the inauguration of a dispenser located at Cross River Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA) office, Ndidem Usang Iso Road, Calabar, the Director General of the Agency, Dr. Charles Iwara, explained that the initiative is part of state government’s strategic plan to promote condom use while targeting zero HIV/AIDS infections by 2030.
Iwara noted that out of the 18 identified sites, 10 are operational including locations such as the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Palladium, UNFPA Office, SACA Office, Marina Resort, Airport Field, 11/11, Atekong Junction, and General Hospital on Mary Slessor Avenue.
“This effort is part of a larger campaign to promote safe sex practices and raise awareness about HIV prevention in the metropolitan,” Iwara stated, disclosing that “we also plan to install more dispensers throughout Greater Calabar, extending from Bakassi to Akamkpa local government areas and across the state in due course.”
He informed that, in addition to the free condom distribution, sexual education, testing, and counseling at SACA office would be conducted, encouraging members of the public to utilize these services at any nearby public hospitals.”
The SACA DG added that the initiative aligns with global efforts to prevent HIV transmission and aimed at reducing new infections as providing accessible and free condoms, the state government and its partners would be making significant strides in promoting public health and well-being in Cross River.
His words: “With the Christmas Village set to open on December 1, we recognize that young people may engage in unsafe sexual practices, so establishing these dispensers and raising awareness now would ensure that everyone knows the available sites to obtain free condoms before that busy season.”
Iwara further applauded UNFPA for donating condoms, intimating that they are free for individuals aged 18 and above.
He also enjoined the targeted population to find their nearest condom dispensary, which operates 24/7 for free condom distribution, even as he advised on abstinence until marriage.
