As of: February 6, 2024, 9:56 p.m
By: Benjamin Stroka
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Taxi passengers in Düsseldorf get free condoms on Carnival days.
What might sound strange to some people has a serious background.
Düsseldorf – Anyone who celebrates Carnival in Düsseldorf and gets into a taxi there on these special days should not be surprised if the taxi driver puts a condom in their hand.
That's right: Free condoms are handed out in taxis in Düsseldorf on Carnival days.
“This campaign is intended to draw attention to the risk of possible infection with HIV or other sexually transmitted infections through unprotected sexual contact,” the city of Düsseldorf announced on Tuesday (February 6).
The distribution begins on women's carnival.
Free condoms at Carnival in Düsseldorf taxis – for over 20 years
The campaign is not new, it has actually become a tradition in Düsseldorf.
There have been free rubbers in taxis at Carnival for more than 20 years.
The willingness to participate is great year after year.
The city is aware that increasing alcohol levels can also lead to a lowering of inhibition thresholds for some people.
“Especially during the carnival season, people meet more casually - often due to alcohol consumption - and sometimes protective measures and safer sex practices are foregone during sexual contacts,” says a statement from the city.
250 taxi drivers in Düsseldorf will distribute free condoms on the carnival days (IDZRNRW assembly).
© State Capital Düsseldorf/David Young & Jochen Tack/Imago
Taxi drivers in Düsseldorf are supposed to give away 5,000 condoms
A total of 5,000 condoms will be distributed to customers by 250 taxi drivers in Düsseldorf this year starting on February 8th.
In addition to the rubber, there is also a postcard with contact details for the Sexual Health Department and information about testing times for the HIV antibody test.
Participating taxi drivers can be recognized by a “red ribbon” that signals solidarity with people with HIV/AIDS.
The campaign is organized by the city of Düsseldorf in cooperation with the city's health department and Taxi Düsseldorf.
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