In 2022, around 4,7 million male (external) and female (internal) condoms and 1,6 million packs of lubricating gel were distributed in Portugal, which represents an increase of 20% and 280%, respectively, compared to to 2021, announced the Directorate-General for Health (DGS), this Monday, February 13.
The program for the free distribution of preventive and informative materials was developed by the DGS with the support of non-governmental organizations, educational establishments, health centres, hospitals and prisons.
«This distribution represents an effort to recover the response in terms of prevention, which saw a reduction in the means distributed in the years marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, with consequences for the response of the services and structures that ensure the distribution of preventive materials by the different populations», says this health entity in a statement.
To mark International Condom Day (February 13), the Directorate-General for Health, through the National Health Programs in the areas of HIV infection and AIDS, and Viral Hepatitis, is also launching a campaign to encourage the consistent use of condoms. condom,
through dissemination on social networks and websites.
The celebration of International Condom Day is carried out, according to the DGS, in conjunction with the 10 signatory cities of the Paris Declaration that have committed to accelerating, by 2030, their local response to HIV infection and the hepatitis virus, with a view to eliminating these infections as public health problems.
The DGS also recalls that the use of condoms «is one of the most effective forms of protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In addition, condoms can also be used to prevent pregnancy».
During the year 2021, and according to the notifications that occurred until September 30, 2022, 933 new cases of HIV infection were diagnosed in Portugal. In 92% of cases transmission occurred through sexual intercourse.
DGS highlights the importance of promoting sex education and facilitating access to condoms, which are highly effective in preventing sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies.
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