International Condom Day: “Just use it” and political will are enough to ensure HIV prevention

On International Condom Day, celebrated every year on February 13, GAT – Grupo de Ativistas em Tratamentos, in partnership with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and with the support of Almada City Council and Seixal City Council, reinforces a simple and urgent message: Just Use It — prevention must not be the first thing affected by international funding cuts.

In 2026, at a time when global health funding is shrinking, it is clear that political will is all it takes to guarantee access to condoms as a public health tool, in Portugal and worldwide. This is not only an individual choice — it is also a political decision. Cutting prevention does not save money: it shifts the bill to health systems, jeopardises the elimination of HIV, and costs lives.

In this context, and with rising notifications of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), according to ECDC data, condoms remain one of the most cost-effective tools to prevent infections. Condoms must be at the centre of a combination prevention strategy, alongside testing, treatment, vaccination, and access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). If there is no change of course, HIV may be the next to gain ground.

In Portugal, the 997 people diagnosed with HIV in 2024 — the most recent data available from the Directorate-General of Health — reinforce the need for consistent, sustained public policies to stop new infections and reduce inequalities in access to prevention.

6,000 condoms distributed by GAT activists

On February 13, teams from GAT’s outreach service GAT Move-se (mobile units) will distribute 6,000 condoms and sexual health information at three locations in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, with the support of Fast-Track Cities Almada (Almada City Council) and Fast-Track Cities Seixal (Seixal City Council / Seixal Saudável):

• Lisbon – Oriente (Railway Station), 10:00–16:00
• Almada – Praça S. João Batista, 09:30–15:30
• Seixal – Fogueteiro (Cepsa petrol station), 09:30–15:30

A plan, resources and data to act better are urgent

GAT argues that Portugal needs a HIV and STI Prevention Plan with dedicated resources, able to respond continuously, grounded in evidence and centred on communities.

GAT also highlights the need to improve the collection and publication of national data on condom use, which are essential to design effective strategies and tailor interventions to the populations that most need these prevention tools.

“Condoms are basic, they work, and they remain one of the most cost-effective tools to prevent HIV and STIs. But it’s not enough to say ‘just use it’ — there must be political will to ensure access, planning and resources. Portugal needs an HIV and STI Prevention Plan, with funding and national data on condom use that allow us to adjust responses to those who need them most.” - Ricardo Fernandes, Deputy Executive Director, GAT

“International Condom Day is a reminder that prevention cannot be disposable. When funding fails, the consequences do not disappear — they accumulate in preventable infections and lives impacted. Condoms are a proven, practical and accessible solution, and they must be at the centre of prevention strategies.” - Daniel Reijer, Head of AHF Europe Bureau

About International Condom Day

Created by AHF in 2009, International Condom Day is marked on February 13 with the global message “Just Use It!”, promoting the normalization of condoms as an essential tool to prevent HIV, other STIs, and unintended pregnancies.

Photography: Rage Creator.