Korede Abdullah 
condoms
CALABAR, Nigeria – Cross River State, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), launches a citywide roll-out of condom dispensers across Calabar to expand access to HIV prevention tools and strengthen public health efforts.
The initiative was inaugurated on Friday at the State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA). Director General Dr Charles Iwara says the project forms part of the state’s strategy to achieve zero HIV infections by 2030. “This initiative is part of the State Government’s strategic plan to promote condom use,” he says.
Eighteen dispensing points have been identified for the first phase, with ten already active at locations including the University of Calabar, Marina Resort, Millennium Park, Atekong Junction, and the General Hospital on Mary Slessor Avenue.
Iwara describes the project as a major boost to safe-sex awareness and HIV prevention, confirming that more dispensers will be installed across greater Calabar and later expanded “from Bakassi to Akamkpa and beyond.”
The programme includes free condom distribution, sexual education campaigns, HIV testing and counselling at SACA offices and public hospitals. Iwara commends UNFPA for donating the condoms and stresses that they are free for individuals aged 18 and above.
He encourages residents to use the round-the-clock dispensing machines, adding: “This initiative aligns with global efforts to prevent HIV transmission and will reduce new infections while promoting public wellbeing.”
About the Author
Juliet Jacob 
Hussaini Ibrahim 
