SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic. – Every day, more than one million people between the ages of 15 and 49 contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In Latin America and the Caribbean, this figure rises to 200,000 cases per day.
In the Dominican Republic, syphilis cases showed a significant increase between 2022 and 2023, going from 2,963 to 4,344, which represents an increase of more than 45%, according to data from the Ministry of Public Health.
The decline in condom use, driven by factors such as lack of access, taboos about sexual health and the reluctance of some people to use them, further aggravates the situation.
In light of this situation, on the occasion of “International Condom Day,” AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and its headquarters in the Dominican Republic are launching a campaign under the slogan “Just Put It On!”, with the aim of promoting the correct use of condoms, especially among young people, to protect their health and well-being, as it is key to preventing more than 20 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies.
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The Foundation has a specialized health center, located in the National District, where it offers free prevention and medical care services for people affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as syphilis, hepatitis B and C, chlamydia and gonorrhea, as well as free treatments for those who need it.
In 2024, the center performed more than 7,800 free diagnostic tests and provided medical care to more than 3,500 people with some type of STI.
“At AHF, we know that condoms are the most accessible, affordable and easy-to-use method to protect sexual health and prevent HIV and STIs. We not only focus on their distribution, but also on educating communities on their proper use to ensure effective protection. Providing free condoms to those who need them most remains one of our top priorities, because we believe that access to sexual health is a fundamental right for all,” said Massiel Ruiz, Program Coordinator for AHF Dominican Republic.
The more accessible condoms are, both in location and cost, the more people will use them, which will help prevent millions of unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.On the occasion of International Condom Day, various activities were carried out in the Dominican Republic, including free distribution of condoms, educational talks, billboards with informative messages and operations at our health center, located in the National District.
Free condoms
AHF distributed more than 18 million free condoms in Latin America and the Caribbean and more than 60 million globally.
People who need free condoms can go to their Health Center located at Mercedes Amiama 25, in the National District, Santo Domingo.
