With Unicode refusing to create an actual condom emoji to protect sexters’ beloved aubergines, the world’s leading sexual health brand has sourced an umbrella-shaped loophole.

To mark World AIDS Day 2016, Durex is encouraging the public to share the “Umbrella with Raindrops” emoji as an unofficial symbol of safe sex.

A recent survey conducted by the contraception giant revealed more than 75 percent of 16 to 35-year-olds use emojis when discussing sex.

And with almost half of that age group believing HIV could never affect them – despite 2.1 million people becoming infected with the virus in the last year – it seem sexters are in desperate need of anything which encourages the promotion of safe sex.

Speaking of the venture, Durex Global Category Director, Volker Sydow, said: “At Durex we believe that for this World AIDS Day identifying the unofficial safe sex emoji is an important step that helps to empower young people to put safe sex back on the agenda, supporting the fight to reduce the spread of HIV and AIDS.”

“We are asking people to show their support for the cause by using this unofficial safe sex emoji and sharing the hashtag #CondomEmoji.”