In a football-themed rally marked by music, candid conversations and energetic youth engagement, officials from the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), activists and youth leaders delivered a united message ahead of Valentine’s Day and International Condom Day: prevention remains the strongest defense; Use a Condom.
International Condom Day is observed every February 13, just before Valentine’s Day, to promote safer sex and reduce new HIV infections and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Experts say that when used correctly and consistently, condoms remain one of the simplest and most effective tools for preventing HIV, STIs and unintended pregnancy.
The 2026 event, held at the Mathare Youth Sports Association grounds, brought together youth groups, county officials and global health advocates in a campaign that blended sport, entertainment and public health messaging. Organizers urged young people to know their HIV status, consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if at risk, and continue using condoms consistently.
Using the language of football strategy, speakers compared safe sex to match preparation arguing that while new HIV prevention tools are expanding, abandoning condoms would be a costly mistake.
Dr. Samuel Kinyanjui, AHF Kenya Country Director, cautioned against complacency.
“Some people think condoms are old school. They say we have PrEP now, we’re safe. But we’re losing ground quietly,” he said.
While PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV, Dr. Kinyanjui warned that it does not protect against other STIs such as syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia infections, which he said are on the rise.
“PrEP is a fantastic goalkeeper for HIV,” he said. “But it doesn’t stop syphilis from getting through. Why play the game of life without protection?”
He described increasing STI trends as a growing concern, particularly among young people who may perceive HIV as less threatening due to improved treatment and prevention options.
Anthony Kiplagat, a Nairobi county health official, emphasized that condoms should be free or affordable, widely available and supported by comprehensive sexual education.
“Condoms are a public good, not a luxury,” Kiplagat said. “If someone has to choose between buying airtime and buying protection, we are setting them up to fail.”
Dr. Kinyanjui stressed that condoms remain the only widely accessible method that simultaneously prevents HIV, other STIs and unintended pregnancy.
Other officials also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand HIV prevention services, including wider access to PrEP and plans to introduce long-acting injectable options.
“If you are at risk of HIV, the first step is to know your status,” said Dr. Gichana, the Embakasi West sub-county medical officer. “If you are negative, seek prevention services. We are offering them, and we are working with partners to reach everyone.”
Stephen Muthoka, representing the NSDCC, called on parents, churches and schools to speak more openly about sex and prevention, noting that stigma continues to limit access to life-saving services.
“Talking about sex does not promote immorality,” Muthoka said. “It promotes informed decisions. HIV is not just in hospitals. It is in our communities.”
He encouraged young people to take ownership of their health and futures.
“Once you use protection, you have power,” he said. “When you protect your future, you protect your goals.”
In Kenya, condom promotion has remained central to national HIV prevention strategies for decades. As music played and young people shared messages online, the rally’s call to action was repeated in simple, direct terms.
Don’t overthink it. Just use it.
