International Condom Day Drives Mexico’s STI Strategy

On International Condom Day, Mexico reinforced condom promotion and STI prevention through coordinated efforts by federal authorities, NGOs and private contraceptive providers. The strategy aligns with national vaccination targets and expanded market offerings, affecting the pharmaceutical, medical device and healthcare services sectors while advancing prevention-focused public health policy.

Mexico’s health authorities, international organizations, and private-sector actors intensified condom promotion and broader sexual health initiatives around International Condom Day, reinforcing prevention strategies against HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unplanned pregnancies. Officials highlighted sustained distribution efforts, education campaigns, and new product launches as part of a wider push to expand access and normalize preventive care.

“It is very important to use condoms in all sexual practices,” said Juan Luis Mosqueda Gómez, Director General, National Center for the Prevention and Control of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis (Censida). He stressed that consistent and correct use is essential, particularly when individuals change partners. “If sometimes they are used and sometimes not, there is still a risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy,” he said.

Public Sector Reinforces Prevention Messaging

The message coincided with International Condom Day, observed globally on Feb. 13 and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), which describes condoms as a cost-effective tool providing “triple protection” against HIV, STIs, and unintended pregnancies. WHO estimates that more than 1 million people aged 15 to 49 contract an STI every day worldwide. In Latin America and the Caribbean, roughly 200,000 new infections occur daily, according to global health data cited by advocacy groups.

In Mexico, national survey data show mixed patterns of condom use. The 2023 National Health and Nutrition Survey reported that 75% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 used a condom during their first sexual encounter, and 78% during their most recent. Among adults, the rate was 40%. Health officials say these figures underscore the need for sustained education across age groups.

Mosqueda said condoms, both external and internal, have efficacy rates above 90% in preventing HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Protection against human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes is lower because transmission can occur through skin contact outside covered areas. Censida distributes condoms nationwide through hospitals and health centers across Mexico’s 32 states, supported by civil society organizations that assist with outreach and prevention.

NGOs and Companies Expand Access and Innovation

Nonprofit organizations have expanded complementary campaigns. In 2025, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), which operates in 47 countries and provides services to more than 2 million people, launched its “¡Sólo Úsalo!” campaign in Mexico to promote condom use, particularly among young people. The organization cited rising syphilis rates in the Americas, which increased more than 30% between 2020 and 2022, according to regional health authorities. In Mexico alone, 15,798 new HIV cases were reported in 2024, following 18,033 cases in 2023.

AHF and local partners organized public events in Mexico City, Oaxaca, Tijuana, Xalapa, and other municipalities, including condom distribution in transit systems, universities, and nightlife venues, alongside free rapid testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C. “The challenge lies in ensuring constant access to condoms,” said Patricia Campos, Director, AHF Latin America and the Caribbean, citing poverty levels and stigma as barriers to consistent use.

Private-sector actors are also expanding Mexico’s contraceptive market. DKT Latam Norte announced the launch of three products in Mexico in 2025: Alina, an emergency contraceptive endorsed by WHO; Trust, a condom line targeting Generation Z consumers; and Silver Care, a long-term intrauterine device with a silver core. The company said it combines product distribution with educational initiatives such as DKT School and workplace-based programs to address misinformation surrounding hormonal contraception and IUD safety.

Integrated Strategy: Vaccination and Male Participation

The condom push forms part of a broader sexual health strategy that includes vaccination and male contraceptive participation. In early 2026, the State of Mexico expanded free HPV vaccination as part of a nationwide campaign that administered more than 960,000 doses in 2025 and extended eligibility to boys for the first time. Health authorities have set a national target of 95% coverage and allocated over MX$15 billion to vaccine procurement under the Universal Vaccination Program. HPV comprises more than 200 related viruses and is associated with cervical and other cancers; while condoms reduce transmission risk, they do not provide complete protection.

Meanwhile, public health officials marked World Vasectomy Day by urging greater male involvement in family planning. Specialists at Hospital General de México emphasized that vasectomy is more than 99.9% effective and does not impair sexual function. Mobile health initiatives such as Dr. Vagón, operated by Fundación Grupo México, have expanded access to vasectomies and other reproductive services in rural communities.