Condoms Count on National Condom Day

washington, DC - February 14, 2005

February 14 is not only Valentine’s Day but also National Condom Day – an occasion to educate and promote condom use in the United States. To date, the condom remains one of the most effective, and affordable, ways to protect against sexually-transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. For most Americans, it is quite easy to purchase condoms — they are sold in drugstores, supermarkets, and even public restrooms. Yet around the world, especially in areas hardest hit by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, condoms remain in dangerously short supply.

Financial and political support are critical to ensuring condom availability. More money, effectively used, is key to successful comprehensive AIDS prevention programs, including condom promotion and distribution. PAI urges the United States and other donor countries to act now by providing financial support for condoms so that they will be available everywhere, for anyone who needs them.

Condom Facts

National Condom Week: February 14 - 21, 2005

Did you know?

• Condoms are the only proven technology to stem the spread of HIV/AIDS
• The average man in Africa has access to 4 condoms a year.
• 80% of HIV transmission is heterosexual in Africa.
• Half of all new HIV infections are occurring among people younger than 25.
• Condom use is lowest among youth and married partners.
• Married women often hesitate to initiate condom use for fear they will be accused of infidelity.
• In 2000, donors provided less than one billion of the eight billion condoms needed in developing countries and eastern Europe

Population Action International (PAI) works to improve individual well-being and preserve global resources by mobilizing political and financial support for population, family planning and reproductive health policies and programs.