Health Officials Warn of a Decline in Condom Use

Advertisement

Dr. Nikkiah Forbes – Director, National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme
“We are seeing a practice, a sexual practice where there is a drop off in people using condoms and this is a matter of concern. It will cause an increase in STIs and HIV.”

Dr. Forbes stressed that condoms are highly effective in preventing sexually transmitted infections. She shared the importance of proper condom use, noting that some STIs, like syphilis, can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.

Dr. Nikkiah Forbes – Director, National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme
“Use condoms correctly and consistently throughout the sex act from beginning to end with water-based lubricants. They are a highly effective way of preventing a sexually transmitted infection.”

Her warning comes as health officials reported an alarming increase in chlamydia cases. In the month of February alone, The Bahamas recorded 131 cases, with the majority of them in New Providence. Women accounted for 76% of recorded cases, and according to Dr. Forbes, officials believe the triple-digit figure is an underrepresentation of the actual number of cases.

In addition to proper condom use, Dr. Forbes is urging the public to get tested regularly.

Dr. Nikkiah Forbes – Director, National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme
“Early detection means early treatment. It makes a difference, and if you are eligible, consider HIV PrEP. So we’ve heard a lot about this, a reminder for those who have not heard about it before. It is a one-pill-a-day HIV option for people who are most at risk of HIV to prevent HIV acquisition or getting HIV in simple language.”

Dr. Forbes also reminded the public that the government provides free condoms.

Dr. Nikkiah Forbes – Director, National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme
“We have a clinic called the comprehensive clinic that is free of cost to the Bahamian public for doctors, nurses, prevention, HIV prevention, STI prevention, education, and support for if the STI is HIV, for example. We have that clinic and condoms and lubricants are provided free of cost. There are other free condoms and lubricants in other platforms like, for example, the family planning clinics.”