With less than 10 hours to the Valentine’s Day, stakeholders have expressed concerns about the alleged presence of fake condoms in the market.

Physicians believe that when used properly, condoms can prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.

The presence of fake condoms in the market is thus a cause for concern, especially as the Valentine’s Day is just a few hours away.

As reported by Standard Media, fake condoms have hit the Kenyan market, even as the world marks the International Condom Day today (Tuesday, February 13).

This information was contained in a warning issued by the Population Services Kenya.

In an advert placed in the local dailies, PS Kenya issued a directive to the public to be aware of the appropriate labeling of the Trust Studded brand of condoms.

“Look out for the marks of quality on our packs to ensure that you are purchasing authentic Trust packs,” cautioned the advert.

PS Kenya, which distributes Trust Condoms, have been carrying out a three-day country-wide safety sensitisation campaign since February 10.

They say that the presence of fake condoms in the market puts consumers at risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Diseases, since they are made from substandard materials.

The agency, in half-page adverts in the middle of local dailies, asked members of the public to look out for the authentic package in the Studded product.

According to the advert, consumers should check the front face of a pack of Trust Studded to ensure that it has a triple-tested icon on the bottom left side and a white stripe with pack content.

The name “Studded” should also appear in bold at the centre of the pack. The pack’s spine should bear content details and only bear PS-Kenya contact details and nothing more.

Condoms — latex and polyurethane versions — have been the only method available to prevent transmission of STIs and HIV for ages.

The alarm comes just as the world is marking the International Condom Day, which is promoted by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation in an effort to reduce the spread of HIV through safe sex practices.

 International Condom Day: Ahf Distributes 100,000 Condoms 

Meamwhile, as part of activities marking the International Condom Day, AIDS Healthcare Foundation in Nigeria, on Tuesday, distributed 100,000 condoms to people in Makurdi, Benue.

The non-governmental organisation also rendered free HIV/AIDS testing and counseling to 3,000 persons.

The AHF site coordinator of ART Clinician and HIV in Nigeria, Dr. Shuaibu Joseph, disclosed this during the International Condom Day celebration organised by AHF in Makurdi.

Joseph stated that the International Condom Day is usually celebrated on February 13th as a global event, a day before Valentine’s Day in a bid to promote prevention of STDs, including HIV and unwanted pregnancies through free condom distribution, safer sex awareness events and HIV Testing Services.

He said AHF has been working in seven local government areas of Benue State, conducting voluntary HIV tests and counseling, offering sex education and distributing condoms to encourage safe sexual practices in the rural areas.

In his remark, the Executive Secretary, Benue State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Dura Gideon, said everyone must be involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the state.

Dura, who was represented by Mrs. Regina Ameh, advised people to abstain from oral sex, while they should use condom which can prevent STDs, including HIV, and unwanted pregnancies when used properly.

“One of the major ways to be infected by HIV/AIDS is through sex; therefore, to avoid contacting HIV, use condom.

“Condom has become fashionable; so, go about with your condoms if you are sexually active.

“Even despite a stable relationship, you must use condoms to prevent STD and unwanted pregnancy,” he counselled.