AIDS puts condoms in spotlight
Manuel, J.
Network 13(1): 24-27
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0270-3637 PMID: 12317725 Document Number: 321553
When used properly, condoms are highly effective in preventing both pregnancy and the spread of HIV and AIDS, the public health community has therefore strongly promoted condom use for disease prevention. Significantly less promotion, however, has been given to condom use in family planning. The number of condoms distributed worldwide has increased dramatically over the past 10 years. As the largest supplier of subsidized condoms, USAID shipped 154 million, 93 million, and 499 million to sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Asia, respectively, in 1991. These figures increased from 9, 31, and 231 million/year, respectively, in 1984. While some anecdotal evidence exists suggesting condoms are used to both prevent disease and unwanted births, only limited empirical support is available. In fact, findings from the UN Population Division show that condom use in developing countries constitutes only 3-4% of contraceptive practice. Less than 1% of married couples in sub-Saharan Africa use condoms. New surveys are called for to explore condom use in all sexual relationships. As contraceptives the condom is the only modern male method that offers temporary protection. Side effects do not exist, and application does not require a medical delivery system. Family planning programs may consider reorienting to aggressively promote condoms as acceptable, convenient, and safe contraceptives for married couples. Uganda, Brazil, Zimbabwe, and Thailand have such programs. Experiences and findings are discussed.