The current situation
	Why focus on prevention?
	Strategy for prevention
	Core areas of support Young people, Condom programming, Pregnant women
	Enabling environment Mainstreaming gender concerns, Population and development concerns, Advocacy and partnerships, Capacity building

Core areas of support (continued)

2. Condom programming

The correct and consistent use of condoms, both male and female, can help slow the epidemic— providing millions of people with a simple and effective means to protect themselves and their sexual partners from HIV infection.

• The presence of one or more STIs increases the risk of becoming infected with HIV by two to nine times. Condoms help reduce this risk.



• Condom programming has many aspects. A steady, affordable supply of high-quality condoms involves many supply-side issues including forecasting, procurement, logistics management and quality assurance. Communication for behaviour change, which helps overcome barriers to use, depends on an understanding of user needs, perceptions, misconceptions and fears. An understanding of the sociocultural environment of the communities and countries is also required for effective condom programming. Distribution channels must meet people’s needs and preferences —supplying the right quantities of the right products in the right condition in the right place at the right time for the right price.



• Since 1999, more than 19 million female condoms have been supplied to several countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America through joint efforts of UNFPA, UNAIDS, the World Health Organization, The Female Health Company and various national partners. The female condom is the only currently available method that women can initiate that provides dual protection from both unwanted pregnancy and from STIs, including HIV.



• Attracting the attention of young people, social marketing techniques in Albania have boosted demand and increased availability of condoms at kiosks, schools and pharmacies. Safer sexual behaviours have been encouraged through training for peer educators, special events including a rock concert, and prevention messages in the media.



• To encourage men to take responsibility in the prevention of unwanted pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and STIs, more than 70 condom vending machines have been installed in public locations in Sri Lanka—providing easy, anonymous access. Information on the correct use of condoms was widely distributed by the local organizations and members of the armed forces in charge of managing the project.



• A brand of condoms known as “Bullet Proof ” has captured popular attention in Sierra Leone, demonstrating the value of packaging products in attractive and userfriendly ways for promotion through social marketing programmes. Approximately 1 million condoms have been sold to United Nations peacekeepers, and condom vending machines have been installed for wider access.

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