On February 14 T-MARC Tanzania joined the world to celebrate the International Condom Awareness Day with a call for more advocacy on condom use for effective prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies.
As part of the celebrations, T-MARC Tanzania held a media briefing on the day and its importance. Speaking during the media briefing, T-MARC Tanzania Director of Social Enterprising, Flavian Ngole, said that the day was a time to promote the use of condoms and educate people about the need for practicing safe sex at all times. He was accompanied by the Director of Administration and Logistics, Geraldine Duwe and Sales Manager Larson Chumi.
“The aim is to get more people comfortable with purchasing, carrying, talking about and using condoms during sexual activity,” he pointed out.
With the theme focusing on the importance of consent and testing of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV/AIDS between partners, the day’s commemoration was held one day before St. Valentine’s Day which is celebrated on 14th February each year.
“We all know the enthusiasm that comes along the day across the globe. We think it is a good time to promote healthy and safe relationships and reminding people about the risks of sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies. In short, we use the day as a reminder to everyone to always ensure that they practice safe sex,” he said.
The International Condom Awareness Day is also used to fight against such stigma which is putting the lives of many people including youth and women at high risk. “People should be able to make their free choices and also learn how to use a condom correctly from these places while at the same time having any sexual wellness questions answered in a friendly manner,” emphasized Ms. Duwe.
T-MARC Tanzania has been working with the Government of Tanzania and other partners to improve public health and the well being of Tanzanians through forming up strong partnerships and programs to ensure them with accessible, affordable and quality services and products.
Supporting the above Government initiatives in the HIV/AIDS prevention, unwanted pregnancy and controlling sexually transmitted diseases, T-MARC Tanzania through social marketing approach offers various types of condoms in order to widening consumer choices, Dume Classic – Plain no scented condom, Dume DesireRed, strawberry-scented condom, and Dume ExtremeRibbed, Dotted, Mint scented condom and Lady Pepeta Female condom
We believe together we can successfully support Tanzania in its efforts to improve public health and the well being of all Tanzanians most especially among the vulnerable groups including youth and women. Let’s play our part!