Aizawl noticed Worldwide Condom Day (ICD) 2026 on February 13 at an occasion collectively organised by the Mizoram State AIDS Management Society (MSACS) and AHF India Cares beneath the worldwide theme “Simply Use It!”.
The programme introduced collectively authorities officers, civil society teams and youth representatives, with discussions centred on the rising incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), notably syphilis.
Talking on the occasion, Well being Minister Lalrinpuii underscored the significance of condom use in safeguarding public well being. “Safety is cheaper than remorse. Condoms should not an emblem of disgrace, they’re an emblem of accountability. If we need to shield our younger folks and protect the well being positive aspects Mizoram has made, the message is easy: Simply Use It,” she stated.
Referring to rising STI charges, she added that prevention should stay central to public well being coverage.
On the event, the Minister additionally launched LOVE BRIGADE 2.0, an initiative designed to enhance condom entry by partaking bike riders, taxi drivers and neighborhood transport networks as prevention ambassadors. Explaining the strategy, she acknowledged, “Prevention should attain the place individuals are. LOVE BRIGADE 2.0 brings condoms to the streets, to the youth, and into on a regular basis life. That is public well being in movement.”
Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, talking on the programme, known as for sustained public funding in condom distribution amid shrinking world well being budgets. “When governments reduce prevention budgets, infections rise. It’s that straightforward. Condoms stay one of the crucial cost-effective instruments to stop HIV and different STIs,” he stated, cautioning in opposition to sidelining condoms in favour of costlier biomedical instruments. “Condoms are confirmed, sensible, and highly effective. Ignoring them will not be innovation, it’s negligence.”
Highlighting present tendencies, Dr. Sam, Nation Program Director of AHF India Cares, pointed to rising syphilis circumstances as a warning. “We’re shedding floor quietly. STIs don’t surge in a single day; they rise when prevention is uncared for,” he stated.
He additional famous, “Cuts to prevention don’t lower your expenses, they value lives. Each rupee invested in condoms reduces future healthcare prices and human struggling.” He additionally careworn that condoms ought to stay inexpensive and accessible, notably for younger folks and key populations.
Dr. Jane Ralte, Mission Director of MSACS, reiterated the state’s place on prevention. “We can not cease new HIV infections or curb rising STIs with out condoms on the heart of our prevention technique,” she stated, including that public funding and free distribution stay needed to make sure equitable entry.
The programme additionally featured a condom-themed trend presentation geared toward difficult stigma and inspiring open dialogue round sexual well being. The occasion concluded with music performances and youth-led actions reinforcing the theme “Simply Use It!”, with organisers stating that sustained prevention efforts are important to addressing rising STIs and defending public well being.
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 2026 on February 13 at an event jointly organised by the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) and AHF India Cares under the global theme “Just Use It!”.){kind=link}