World Cup excitement meets safety; Toronto distributes free condoms

 

 

Toronto, which is set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has launched a new initiative to protect public health along with the excitement of sports. The decision will be made to distribute free condoms in six different football-themed designs to the millions of visitors who will come to the city as part of the World Cup. These will be available in envelopes with fun messages such as "Block These Shots" and "What a Finish!".

Officials said that these will be available for free at four major sexual health clinics and select community centres in Toronto. This measure is in anticipation of the increase in the number of visitors to cities during world-class sporting events and the potential for the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. The health department aims to promote safe sex habits and prevent infections, including HIV, through the CondomTO campaign.

Toronto Public Health previously distributed condoms in a similar manner during World Pride in 2014 and the 2015 Pan American Games. The current plan is to distribute about half a million condoms in advance of the six World Cup matches being held in Toronto in June and July.