Pokhara, 13 February | On the occasion of International Condom Day, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nepal organized an interaction program with journalists in Pokhara to highlight the importance of sexual health and the effective use of condoms. Held in collaboration with the Provincial Public Health Center, Gandaki Province, and Pokhara Metropolitan City, the event aimed to amplify the message of “safer is sexy” ahead of Valentine’s Day. Since 2011, AHF Nepal has been observing this day annually to engage youth through creative and educational campaigns. During the interaction, health officials emphasized that condoms remain a powerful and cost-effective tool in the triple protection strategy against HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unplanned pregnancies.
The data presented during the session revealed a significant distribution network in the region. Laxman Basaula, the HIV/AIDS Focal Person for the Provincial Public Health Center, reported that approximately 953,000 condoms were distributed in Gandaki Province in the first six months of the current fiscal year. This follows the distribution of over 2.26 million units in the previous fiscal year, showcasing the scale of outreach efforts. Bharat Raj Paudel, Chief of the Health Division at Pokhara Metropolitan City, reiterated that social stigmas surrounding condoms must be dismantled to ensure public health safety. Radheshyam Shrestha from AHF Nepal shared that the foundation currently serves over 2.7 million people globally and has been a steadfast partner of the Nepal government since 2008 in managing ART clinics and HIV testing services. To mark the celebration further, a creative song competition themed around condom awareness will be held on Friday, featuring ten participating teams to spread life-saving messages through music.
