Notes and References

1 - Estimating condom use for HIV prevention is difficult, relying on self-reported use, or extrapolating from procurement statistics. Based solely on donors’ procurement for developing countries an estimated 1 billion condoms were used in 2000. For 2002, UNFPA estimates that global condom needs for STI/HIV prevention are 9 billion.
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2 - Dual protection is protection against both unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. For sexually active individuals, condoms are the only device that is effective for dual protection. Dual protection can also be achieved by using condoms with another method of contraception, referred to as dual method or double protection. Dual protection is of particular relevance when interventions are focused on groups in vulnerable situations such as young people, sex workers etc.
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3 - “Quality” as specified by WHO (The Male Latex Condom) refers to condoms that will not break or leak and put the user at risk in addition to being the appropriate size, and colour as well as meeting the expectation of the user. It is also understood that quality means meeting international standards and specifications from the time of procurement to use.
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4 - UNFPA has been the largest international supplier of condoms to developing countries for the past 30 years. The Fund frequently supplies condoms on behalf of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the World Bank and other donors such as the British, Dutch and Canadian Governments. The Fund is the world’s largest multilateral source of population assistance. Since it became operational in 1969, it has provided some $5.6 billion to developing countries to help solve population problems, meet reproductive health needs and support development efforts.
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Comments or questions on Programme Briefs should be addressed to Dr. Suman Mehta, HIV/AIDS Coordinator, Technical Support Division, UNFPA or sent by email to hiv@unfpa.org

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