…Distribute free condoms
…Hold sensitization walk in Calabar
By Kenneth Anam
The Cross River State Government under the aegis of the State Ministry Of Health in partnership with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) an agency of the UN saddled with the core goals of ensuring the eradication of unwanted pregnancies, safe birth deliveries and ensuring apt fulfillment of young person’s potentials across the world today 13th February, 2023 held a sensitization walk and awareness campaign across Calabar, the capital city of Cross River, as they mark the International Condom Day Celebration.
International Condom Day is a globally celebrated holiday instituted by the World’s AIDS Healthcare Foundation in response to AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases ravaging the world.
The event is usually marked with sharing of free condoms to persons with a high level of sensitization and awareness campaign on the importance of ensuring total eradication of unprotected sex that could lead to unwanted pregnancies, contraction of sexually transmitted disease which can truncate or hamper the fulfillment of dreams and potentials of young persons.
The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr.Janet Ekpenyong while flagging off the campaign spoke pertinently on the importance of the celebrations, stating that the many dangers of unprotected sex cannot be overemphasize as it has led so many to their unexpected and untimely deaths especially young ignorant persons.
She charged the teeming crowd which made up of young persons to always ensure they guard their potentials jealously and abstain from sexual act or ensure they use condoms to avoid unwanted pregnancies or infections from sexually transmitted diseases which could truncate their future, adding that a split moment of pleasure could lead to a lifetime of sorrow and regret.
She thanked the UNFPA officials who deemed it fit to ensure that the sensitization walk and awareness campaign hold across the state capital whilst providing condoms and making sure they are available especially in a critical time as this, when the world will be celebrating the Valentine’s Day in few hours owing to the common knowledge of how many persons are vulnerable and susceptible to engaging in different kinds of unprotected sex.
She further promised that the state government on its part remains committed and will ensure the advocacy and awareness campaigns are uphold to ensure a reduction to the barest minimum of this menacing ignorance amongst the people.
The team proceeded on the walk across various streets in the state capital for the awareness and sharing of free condoms to people.
