AHF is renowned for its creative and boundary-expanding advocacy to eliminate HIV/AIDS, reduce STI stigma, and promote condom use. In 2012, AHF launched its major initiative, “Condom Nation,” an engaging, high-spirited campaign that traveled across the United States distributing millions of condoms alongside safer sex education.
The road trip featured AHF’s customized 18-wheel semi-truck, fully wrapped with imagery of advocates, condoms, and the initiative’s website. It was accompanied by a smaller sprinter van. Starting in Venice Beach, CA, on International Condom Day (February 13), the truck distributed millions of condoms across over 20 states and numerous cities in six months. Along the way, AHF partnered with more than 25 local organizations to provide HIV testing at many stops.
In 2011, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control reported that approximately 1.1 million people were living with HIV, and 20% were unaware of their status. Condoms were often unaffordable for many Americans, even as manufacturers made a 96% profit per unit. The Condom Nation initiative raised awareness of condoms as the most effective way to prevent HIV, STIs, and unplanned pregnancies.
The truck’s journey ended in Washington, D.C., in the summer, coinciding with the XIX International AIDS Conference (IAC). AHF organized a press conference and satellite session to discuss global funding for HIV/AIDS management. Speakers included Senator Bernie Sanders, a World Health Organization representative, and other NGO advocates. The discussion was timely, as PEPFAR (the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) faced significant budget cuts. With foreign aid unable to fill the funding gap, millions of people living with HIV worldwide risked losing treatment access.
The XIX IAC marked the first time the U.S. had hosted the conference in 22 years, but notable absences caused controversy. While leaders like Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Bill Gates, and former President Bill Clinton attended and delivered remarks, President Barack Obama and presidential candidate Mitt Romney were notably absent. Their brief and uninspiring video messages were criticized by AHF and activists, who protested in front of the White House against PEPFAR cuts and the lack of presidential engagement.
Condom Nation successfully highlighted the importance of safer sex education, condom use, and affordability. Millions of condoms were distributed, and hundreds of HIV tests were administered to Americans of all ages and backgrounds. Following this success, the initiative expanded in 2013, covering more states and distributing even more condoms.
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