13 February 2026 – As the world marks International Condom Day on the eve of Valentines Day to spotlight condoms as a vital tool against HIV, STIs, and unintended pregnancies; SAYWHAT proudly stands with regional and global partners in amplifying the 2026 theme: “Just Use It!”  This reminder is especially urgent since the East and Southern Africa (ESA) region continues to shoulder nearly half of the global HIV burden despite accounting for only 6% of the world’s population, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability faced by young people in particular. On this day, we not only to celebrate progress but to call for renewed commitment, sustained investment, and open conversation that ensure no young person is left behind. 

Strengthening Condom Access Through Domestic Investment

Southern Africa continues to rely heavily on imported condoms, with only South Africa and Namibia currently manufacturing condoms within SADC and even then, largely for domestic consumption. As global funding patterns shift, this dependency presents increasing risk. UNFPA has already warned that external funding for condom procurement will not keep pace with population growth, expanding existing supply gaps. At the same time, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation has reported a rise in STI rates, partly driven by diminishing funding and declining prioritisation of condoms within prevention strategies.

SAYWHAT believes the region has untapped opportunities to respond proactively. Southern Africa tertiary institutions including engineering, biotechnology, and polymer‑science faculties are well‑positioned to partner with industry to accelerate research, innovation, and local condom manufacturing. Strengthening domestic production is more than an economic opportunity, it is a strategic public-health safeguard that protects young people’s futures.

Strengthening Digital Health Literacy for the Mobile Generation

Today’s youth live, socialise and seek information online. Digital spaces from social media to messaging platforms provide anonymity and privacy that many young people cannot access offline, making them vital spaces for learning about sexual and reproductive health. At the same time, these platforms expose youth to misinformation, stigma, and harmful narratives particularly around condom use.

Across Southern Africa, conversations about condoms can be constrained by silence, taboo, and moral expectations, even as the region struggles with high adolescent birth rates, rising STI vulnerabilities, and persistent unmet need for contraception. Evidence shows that young people increasingly turn to online platforms to bypass stigma and access credible information. For SAYWHAT digital health is, therefore, not optional, it is essential. The future of youth SRHR literacy, condom promotion, and stigma reduction lies in accessible, engaging, and evidence-driven digital communication that meets young people where they are.

As SAYWHAT commemorates International Condom Day 2026, we call on:

• Governments to increase domestic financing for condom procurement and invest in local manufacturing capacity, including partnerships with tertiary institutions capable of driving technological innovation.
• Digital Platforms & Health Actors to strengthen digital SRHR literacy, counter misinformation, and amplify evidence‑based condom education for young people.
• Young People to claim their right to information, protection, and autonomy and to make safer choices grounded in knowledge, confidence, and dignity.

This International Condom Day, we say:

Just Use It! Just Fund It! Just Talk About It!

Condom use should never be a source of shame; it should be synonymous with empowerment, responsibility, and care.