The Impact Health Organization (IHO) with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has carried out a condom distribution exercise in Juba to mark the 32nd anniversary of World AIDs Day.
This was aimed at creating awareness to the public about the virus and its effects and to reduce the stigma associated with the use of condoms as well as to curb further spread of AIDs in the country.
The South Sudan AIDs Commission and the different Civil Society Organizations took part in the campaign under the theme “Condomize Don’t Compromise”, providing counseling, and linking HIV/AIDs positive people to healthcare service centers.
“HIV is real and still there are a lot of new infections despite efforts by the government and many NGOs, people need to take care of themselves,” said Sentongo David IHO Program Manager.
“There are lots of alternatives such as abstinence, be faithful, and use condoms, that can curb the spread of the virus. And people who are living with the virus should adhere to the treatment to live longer,” he added.
According to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 193,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS in South Sudan, most of whom in the Greater Equatoria Region.
Sentongo pointed that the campaign’s main aim is to prevent the spread of the virus among key populations such as sex workers and people who use drugs and prisoners in the country.
“We need to protect our country,” a 32 years old South Sudanese living with HIV said “People like me can have free condoms and use to protect other people from acquiring the virus.”
He commended IHO for free condoms distribution and sensitizing the public about the virus saying the activity should be conducted all over the country to a safe life.
IHO has over 100 condom dispensers accessible to people in need and in the past months, has distributed over 50,000 condoms in the capital Juba to enable the promotion of condom use as well as to minimize the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases.