Condoms remain the most effective family planning method for young people, not only because they prevent unintended pregnancies but also because they offer dual protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Unlike other contraceptive methods that only target pregnancy prevention, condoms provide a comprehensive safeguard for the overall sexual and reproductive health of adolescents.
When a young person reaches the point of seeking family planning, it means they are sexually active. This reality calls for a method that addresses both primary risks pregnancy and infection. Focusing solely on preventing pregnancy, without considering the dangers of HIV and other STIs, ignores the broader health risks that adolescents face. Condoms fill this critical gap by acting as a barrier against both.
Kenya, like many other African nations, has a history deeply shaped by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In the early years, the disease brought fear, stigma, and devastating loss. It took massive public health campaigns and community education to bring down infection rates. One of the key strategies was promoting the ABC approach Abstinence, Being faithful, and Condom use. Of these, condoms stood out as the practical option for those already sexually active, and they continue to be relevant today.
Offering young people alternative contraceptives, such as pills or injectables, may prevent pregnancy but leaves them unprotected against infections. Such an approach risks undoing the hard-earned progress in reducing HIV prevalence. Adolescents require tools that protect them holistically, not just from one outcome of sexual activity. By ensuring that condoms are widely accessible, affordable, and accompanied by proper education on correct use, society can significantly lower both teenage pregnancy rates and new HIV infections.
Some countries, such as Rwanda, have passed laws granting adolescent girls easier access to family planning services. While such policies may help address teenage pregnancy, they risk neglecting the equally pressing challenge of HIV transmission. A more balanced approach is needed one that places equal emphasis on both pregnancy and infection prevention.
The fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over. Rising infection rates in some communities highlight the dangers of complacency. For this reason, continued investment in condom awareness and distribution should be a priority. Equipping adolescents with knowledge and access empowers them to make safe, responsible choices.
Condoms are more than just a contraceptive they are a life-saving tool. For the youth, they represent the best family planning method because they safeguard their future by protecting against both unintended pregnancies and dangerous infection
