Condom purchases increased by up to 50 percent just hours before ‘Valentine’s Day’.
Valentine’s Day or simply Saint Valentine is a holiday of Catholic origin that is celebrated annually on February 14 as a commemoration of the good works carried out by Saint Valentine of Rome, related to the universal concept of love and affection.
Leaving aside the classic boxes of chocolate and huge bouquets, the sale of condoms in Mexico had an impressive increase of up to 50 percent in the days leading up to February 14, also known as ‘St. Valentine’.
This phenomenon reflects the celebration of love, as well as the growing awareness about the relevance of using condoms as a crucial method for both family planning and protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
Antonio Pascual, president of the National Association of Pharmacies of Mexico (ANAFARMEX), pointed out that since the 80s and 90s, the use of condoms has been internationally promoted as an effective barrier measure.
“At that time, the emergence of HIV highlighted the imperative need to promote sexual protection. Despite the initial stigma associated with purchasing condoms, it is encouraging the change of perception in our country,” Antonio Pascual said.
Condoms available in all pharmacies
Pascual points out that pharmacies play a fundamental role in the availability and promotion of condoms.
Thanks to joint efforts with government institutions and health organizations, condoms have been placed in visible and accessible places in all pharmacies in the country.
Educational campaigns
Educational campaigns promoted by the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Public Education, the World Health Organization, and UNICEF have contributed significantly to the increase in demand for condoms, registering a growth of 35 percent in the last two years.
It is important to highlight that, although the use of condoms is promoted as a prevention measure, cultural barriers persist that make their acquisition difficult for some young people.
However, Pascual urges the population to overcome any shame and access this method that not only prevents unwanted pregnancies but also sexually transmitted diseases.
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