Elanso

Originally started on the campus of the University of California, Berkeley, National Condom Week is celebrated every year on the same week as Valentine’s Day. It serves as a fantastic reminder that during this season of romance, all of us need to do our part to spread awareness of rising HIV and STD rates in the US and the world.

Every year in the United States, there are approximately 19 million new cases of STD infections. Half of these occur in young people aged 15 to 24. Last year, a new record was set for STD infections in the US. All the while, funding for safe sex education programs across the country is being slashed. US condom donations to third world countries has dropped from 800 million to 200 million in the last six years.

In some countries in Africa, the average lifespan has dropped to below 40 years because of the staggering effect of HIV and AIDS in their society. Those most likely to be infected are young people and women. At the current rate of condom imports into these countries, every person is provided with only one condom per year.

National Condom Week has grown into a educational event for high schools, colleges, family planning organizations, AIDS groups, sexually transmitted disease awareness groups, pharmacies and condom manufacturers. All concerned groups band together during this time to spread the message of safe sex and the necessity of safe sex education to the youth of the country.

In addition to celebrating romance this week, let the joy and optimism of Valentine’s Day also remind you of some of the dangers we face as a society, and what steps all of us need to take to reduce the risks of HIV, STDs and teenage pregnancy. A little awareness and care on the part of all of us can do a tremendous amount to end the needless suffering that these preventable problems can bring.

First and foremost is the need for safe sex education. If you have any questions about safe sex, please learn everything you can about condom usage, how to put on a condom, and how to practice safe sex.

Make sure that you understand the dangers of unprotected sex and the consequences of HIV, unplanned pregnancy and STD infection. Always practice safe sex - don’t ever say “Just this once.”

Lastly, do what you can to spread the word about rising STD rates in America and HIV rates across the globe. Consider being a part of the activism that will be taking place this week and rally for safe sex education.

Doing your part to spread awareness about safe sex and condom use this week helps make the world a better place. I wish all of you a wonderful, awesome, exciting Valentine’s Day and a very Happy National Condom Week.

Rock on,
Condom Man