Though we don’t hear about it much in the news these days (except in unison with the name Charlie Sheen), globally, there are currently an estimated 34 million people who have the HIV virus. Which is why World AIDs Day, which happens tomorrow, is a timely reminder of the importance of safe sex.  

To coincide with World AIDs, Durex, has launched a campaign calling for the creation of the world’s first official safe sex emoji. Launched less than a fortnight ago, the campaign has seen people from around the world calling for the creation of the #CondomEmoji and more than 2 million people viewed this humorous video about the need for the emoji.

 

The need to re-think the way we discuss safe sex with 16 – 25 year olds is backed up by research conducted by Professor Mark McCormack at Durham University, which found more than a third of 16 – 25 year olds don’t care about safe sex and a quarter believe HIV/AIDS is an issue that mainly only affects people in Africa. 

 

It’s concerning that 16 – 25 years show such apathy towards safe sex. The solution? Speak to them a in a language they’ll understand: emojis!