World Contraception Day 2013: 12 Awesome Posters that Promote Condom Use and HIV Prevention

One hundred years ago (and, in fact, well before that), if you wished to be intimate with some significant other, you’d only have had a handful of contraceptive options. And of those options, no method could, without a doubt, protect against HIV or STIs. But you now live in an era where access to modern contraceptive methods (particularly barrier methods like male and female condoms) are made effectively and are more accessible, a pretty amazing accomplishment when you consider how far we've come in this department.

Hence, each year, we commemorate this awesome feat with World Contraception Day, in hopes to raise awareness of the contraceptive methods available, as well as to celebrate decades of responsible and thoughtful decision-making. As an organization, committed to reducing the prevalence of HIV through eliminating the stigma surrounding it, we celebrate World Contraception Day as a day to celebrate taking control of your health and preventing the spread of HIV through male and female condom use!

On that note-- we’ve compiled twelve noteworthy health posters from the last few decades that promote condom use and preventing the spread of HIV! Be sure to look out for your favorite.

1. Lifesaver. Condoms Can Protect You.

While this poster is rather simple, its message of condom use as a life-saving tool is incredibly accurate. Sometimes you don’t need all of the bells and whistles to pull off an effective condom awareness ad; a few words of encouragement will do.

2. Protect Your Valuables

You wouldn’t let your dog out without a leash, right? That’s the underlying message behind this condom awareness ad: keep your equipment safe! (And, for goodness sake, please don’t actually put your house pets in condoms.)

3. Whatever you call it use it, or call it a night!

To some people it’s a Sling; to others it’s a Thing! What’s it to you?

4. Condoms Can Protect Any Person, No Matter What Color They Are

HIV doesn’t discriminate, and neither do condoms! In fact, you could probably find the condom of your dreams right now, in your closest convenience store.

5. Do the Safe Thing

This cheerful ad gets us every time. Choosing to use contraception is not only important for you, but for your loved ones as well! You wouldn’t want to expose your significant other to HIV, and you would hope that your significant other was just as thoughtful, right?

6. Stop AIDS

While this HIV awareness poster promotes a very straightforward message, it’s undoubtedly effective. Making the link between contraceptive use and HIV reduction is about as clear as it gets.

7. Be Good in Bed

There really is nothing more benevolent than using a condom every time. It's a great way to do your part, much like volunteering to feed the homeless or not cheating on your taxes.

8. Sailors, 1988

This HIV awareness ad presents a pretty clear message, and it targets a specific group that might be at heightened risk for HIV and other STDs. What more could you want from a condom ad? 

9. The Best Cover-Up Since Watergate

Although Nixon probably wouldn't agree with this HIV awareness advertisement, we sure do! Deciding not to cover up with a condom is almost as scandalous as the Watergate cover-up (okay, it's probably a bit more scandalous).

10. Good Boys Always Wear Their Rubbers

Think about it. You wouldn't dare step outside without your raincoat and your little rain boots; you could easily catch something. Engaging in unsafe sexual activity is basically the same thing.

11. Who is HIV Positive?

Awareness ads like these tend to be attention grabbers, and rightfully so! Habitual use of a condom really is to best way to protect yourself against HIV and other STDs!

12. Moroccan Awareness Poster

You don’t need to understand the text in this ad in order to understand the importance of regular condom use, because that’s one message that clearly transcends location and culture. This is one of thousand of awesome promotion advertisements created for display in countries around the world.

So there you have it. Which one was your favorite? And what did you learn? If nothing else, we hope you grasped that HIV and other STDs don’t discriminate between groups of people, making us all at risk of contracting them. Luckily, a condom can significantly reduce such incidents! Stay safe and use a condom!

Happy World Contraception Day!