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Low use of condoms is impacting negatively the fight against HIV and Aids.
Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Advocacy Manager Mary Nyaguthii says myths and misconceptions about condom use are drivers of this trend. This includes condoms being associated with immorality, promiscuity, prostitution and unfaithfulness.
AHF, a non-governmental organisation involved in the fight against the spread of HIV and Aids, offers free HIV testing, treatment and care as well as counselling and condom promotion and distribution.
Quoting a recent study, Nyaguthii said, "According to Kenya Modes of Transmission study, condom promotion has not been optimal in the country due to difficulty in promoting their use particularly within the steady relationship or married couples."
She said recent studies in condom use promotion and distribution among men and women between 15-24 years shows a 43 per cent consistent condom use among men with their female partners of unknown HIV status in the past 12 months and a 11 per cent consistent condom use among women with their female partners of unknown HIV status in the last 12 months.
She said the trends are contributed by low use among partners of unknown HIV status, women having multiple partners and an 89 per cent of women aged between 15-24 years reporting non use of condom with partners of unknown status.
Nyaguthii spoke at the AHF Kenya headquarters in Nairobi during activities to mark the International Condom Day.
The day seeks to promote the correct and consistent use of condoms as a means of preventing HIV transmission, unwanted pregnancies and other sexually transmitted infections.
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