The secretary general of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum, Boemo Sekgoma, has called on parliamentarians across southern Africa to intensify efforts to promote condom use, eliminate stigma and domesticate the SADC model law on HIV-AIDS.
In a statement marking International Condom Day on 13 February, Sekgoma reaffirmed “the pivotal importance of condoms as a proven, effective and affordable tool in the prevention of HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancies”.
She says condoms remain “one of the most accessible HIV-prevention methods available”.
“They are most effective when used consistently and correctly, alongside complementary strategies such as abstinence, faithfulness, HIV testing and counselling, treatment adherence, prevention of mother-to-child transmission and regular health screening,” Sekgoma says.
Citing the World Health Organisation, she highlights global evidence on effectiveness.
“Some 98% of women whose male partners use male condoms correctly over a span of one year will be protected from unplanned pregnancy, and the corresponding efficacy of female condoms stands at 95%.”
Sekgoma describes both male and female condoms as “a cardinal tool in the enhancement of sexual and reproductive rights which undergird the right of women to physical integrity and choices concerning their bodies”.
Reinforcing the SADC PF’s legislative leadership in the region, Sekgoma recalls that the forum developed the SADC model law on HIV-AIDS, which provides “a comprehensive framework for strengthening national responses, protecting human rights, reducing stigma and discrimination, and improving access to essential prevention, treatment, care and support services”.
She calls on member parliaments to “domesticate and leverage on provisions of this model law in line with national contexts”.
— Moses Magadza is the SADC Parliamentary Forum’s spokesperson.
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