Big win for us: Manvendra Singh Gohil on first explicit condom billboard in Aizawl

“In Mizoram, about 95% of the population is against condom ads in public. So, when the very first explicit vertical billboard (30 ft by 5 ft) was put up on the walls of one of Aizawl’s biggest malls recently, it was a big win for us. It’s turning heads for all the right reasons,” says prominent LGBTQ+ rights activist Manvendra Singh Gohil, who is also the brand ambassador for AHF (AIDS Healthcare Foundation)—India Cares. He adds, “Mizoram has the highest adult HIV prevalence in India. For the last eight years, we have been working closely with the state government to create awareness, and the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) has been helping us a lot. We have tried to promote awareness regarding the need to use condoms through initiatives like signature drives, cultural shows etc. A few days back, as part of International Condom Day celebrations (February 13), a lot of activities were organised, including a fashion show where models walked the ramp wearing outfits made from dried condoms. Pi Lalrinpuii, Health and Family Welfare Minister of Mizoram, was also present at an event and had encouraging words for our efforts.”

‘Counselling plays a crucial role too’

Elaborating further about the ongoing efforts, Manvendra says, “SPOT (Safe Place for Open Talk) cafes are also playing an important role in the state. At these cafes, counselling is provided, free condoms are offered, and HIV testing is done. People from different age groups have been supporting these initiatives, which is a great sign.”

What are SPOT cafes?

SPOT–Safe Place for Open Talk is a first-of-its-kind café-based public health innovation being implemented through a strategic partnership between AHF—India Cares and the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS). It is a warm, welcoming space where young people come for coffee and snacks— and discreetly access free HIV and STI testing, counselling, treatment support, and prevention tools, including free condoms, without fear, stigma, or discrimination.

‘Love Brigade 2.0 campaign is a big hit’

Dr V Sam Prasad, country program director, AHF (AIDS Healthcare Foundation)—India Cares, tells us, “As global health funding shrinks, condoms remain one of the most cost-effective tools to prevent HIV and other STIs (sexually transmitted infections). Rising STIs are a warning sign, and we are losing ground—quietly. Condom access is a public responsibility; they must be affordable, widely available, and stigma-free. We cannot stop new HIV infections or curb rising STIs (especially syphilis) without condoms at the centre of prevention strategies. Governments must make free or affordable condoms widely accessible to all who need them. It needs a multi-pronged approach.”

Talking about the Love Brigade 2.0 campaign in Mizoram, a unique distribution model where two-wheeler taxi riders wear condom jackets, allowing passengers and the public to access free condoms discreetly, he adds, “It has received great response. We need to normalise discussions about condom usage and a change in attitude is required to overcome this challenge. Our slogan ‘just use it’ has become popular too.”