Young people came in droves to commemorate condom day at Ha Thetsane in Maseru on Wednesday (14/02/2024)

The commemoration started with a march in which the young people displayed messages on the importance of condoms. They then converged at Thetsane Sports ground where there was edutainment, condom demonstration and speeches.

Speaking at the occasion, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund Representative to Lesotho Mr Innocent Modisaotsile emphasized the importance and need for accessibility of condoms.

He explained that condom day coincides with Valentine’s day hence its significance to the protection of loved ones. He spoke about this year’s theme which is “the need to re-engage, re-invigorate, and re-educate about the condom is now,” pressing on the importance of re-enforcing condom education and use, and re-engaging communities on availability and proper use of condoms for prevention of HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies.

The Representative called for special consideration towards the girl child who is disadvantaged and can be affected by early and unwanted pregnancies that can lead to unsafe abortions and consequently to death. He also called for communication on condoms to be inclusive so that no one is left behind.

The highlight of the Representatives’ remarks was on the two major milestones Lesotho will be observing this year; the 200 years of the Basotho nation’s existence and the 30 years of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) which places people’s dignity and rights at the heart of sustainable development.

“Ensuring access to condoms is another way of ensuring people exercise these rights. We must therefore be people centred and always engage with young people to address issues such as whether the condoms are appropriate to them and meet their needs or for instance, whether they are attracted to the packaging of the condoms,” he stated.

Representing the National AIDS Commission, Mr M Mokhahlane also stressed the importance of condoms for protection against HIV, STIs and unwanted pregnancies. He expressed concern at the high rate of young people contracting HIV, and called for all to be geared towards defeating the scourge like all other trials and tribulations that the nation confronted and conquered during the 200 years of existence.

“Let us defeat HIV so that in 2030 we will become an AIDS free nation,” he underscored.

A young girl with disability, Mpeo Kherehloa called for inclusion of people with disability especially in issues relating to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, saying sometimes they are left out and as thus are not able to access information.

Also present at the occasion were the Chief and Councillor of the area. HIV prevalence is very high in Lesotho at 22.7% while there are approximately 5,000 new cases of HIV per year among adults.