Condom needs can be calculated if you can estimate the following:

• The size of the target population (i. e., refugee population and adjoining areas). Roughly 20 per cent of this number represents the size of the sexually active male population.
  

• The percentage of males using condoms. Results from previous knowledge, attitudes, behaviour and practices (KAPB) studies can be used when they exist. If they do not exist, plan from data provided by the most reliable source and adapt according to needs.
  

• Plan for about 12 condoms per sexually active male per month.
  

• Add to the above figure 20 per cent for wastage and loss.
  

Example: A baseline calculation for procuring one month's supply of condoms for an estimated refugee and adjoining population of 10,000 people, with 20 per cent of sexually active males using condoms, is as follows:

2,000	sexually active males		2,000
20/ 100	20 per cent using condoms	x	0.2	=	400
12	condoms per month	x	12.0	=	4,800
20%	wastage/ loss	+	0.2	=	960
	total condoms per month				4,800
	total wastage/ loss			+	960
Estimated total needs for one month:					5,760	condoms

Condoms usually come in boxes of 144, called a gross. Quantities of follow-on supplies should be modified according to the field situation (demographic profiles in refugee camps may be very different from the normal demographic profile; use rates of condoms may also vary). To avoid shortages, make sure a three-month reserve supply is available.
 

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