KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant public health initiative timed with Safer Sex Week 2026, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Jamaica is intensifying its advocacy for comprehensive sexuality education in schools while solidifying its position as a leading health partner across the nation. The campaign precedes the globally recognized International Condom Day, underscoring a dual commitment to education and accessible healthcare.
AHF Jamaica’s outreach directly engaged over 127 young individuals in Kingston, St. Andrew, and St. Ann through evidence-based, rights-centered educational sessions. The program launched on February 10 at Calabar High School, Haile Selassie High School, and Kingston Technical High School, focusing on students aged 16–18. Critical topics included sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), human rights, consent, and the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Rather than avoiding sensitive subjects, the initiative fostered a secure and respectful environment that connected informal youth dialogues with medically accurate information. By framing discussions within the context of human rights and bodily autonomy, AHF emphasized that safer sex practices encompass not only physical protection but also empowerment, dignity, and informed choice.
Mario Smith, a Health and Family Life Education teacher at Haile Selassie High School, praised the collaboration: “We are so grateful for this partnership. With widespread misinformation, especially on social media, AHF brought essential knowledge directly to students, enabling healthier life decisions.”
The effort expanded on February 11 with a session at Moneague College in St. Ann, conducted alongside the North East Regional Health Authority (NERHA). In addition to SRHR and STI education, students received dedicated instruction on pap smears and human papillomavirus (HPV), demystifying the procedure and addressing common apprehensions that deter proactive health measures.
Mikayla Brown, a Moneague College student, reflected: “This was a refreshing experience. We learned about pap smears, STIs, and the risks of unprotected sex. I hope AHF visits more often—every student should hear this.”
The week’s activities will conclude with AHF Jamaica’s flagship International Condom Day event on February 20 at the St. Ann Medical Wellness Centre. Although International Condom Day is officially observed on February 13, the health fair will extend the celebration of prevention by providing free HIV testing, pap smears, and other vital services to the broader community.
Kayla Wright, Advocacy Manager at AHF Jamaica, asserted: “Young people deserve comprehensive, accurate, and rights-based sexuality education. Silence and stigma do them a disservice. Equipping youth with knowledge about consent and protection empowers responsible decision-making. Informed youth are the foundation of safer sex.”
This year’s message is clear: integrating open dialogue, scientific education, and community health services is crucial to fostering a generation of Jamaicans who are informed, empowered, and in control of their well-being.