Popularising female condoms as a means of women’s empowerment, is now high on the agenda of the AIDS control wing of the government. National AIDS Control Organisation (Naco) is partnering with Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSacs) and Hindustan Latex Family Planning Promotion Trust (HLFPPT) for this new venture.
This social marketing programme aims at controlling HIV, sexually transmitted diseases and preventing unwanted pregnancies by giving women an opportunity to exercise their choice of opting for safe sex if their partners are reluctant to use male condoms. C. Parthasarathy, IAS, project director, APSacs, said, “Social marketing of female condoms is under way and the product has been highly subsidised by the government to make it affordable, especially to the vulnerable high-risk female population throughout the state under targeted intervention. Women’s empowerment starts with female condoms.”
N. Bharathi, programme manager of AP female condom programme, HLFPPT, added, “NGOs, outreach staff and peer educators have been roped in and trained in all aspects to generate awareness about availability and the advantages of using this condom, which empowers women by giving them a choice to practice safe sex. Attempts at popularising these condoms are being made through ‘kalajataras’, campaigns, earmarking of special days, illustrative pamphlets and booklets, technical support to NGOs, regular monitoring and maintenance of a sales register.”
As per statistics, the population of HRG is about 1.51 lakh in AP. Between the period July 2010-February 2012, nearly 12,28,402 female condoms were sold. Purchase and re-purchase patterns have shown an encouraging response towards acceptance of the product, though more awareness is needed. These subsidised condoms are sold at Rs 3.50 each under social marketing for HRG female population covered under targeted intervention. Commercially, a pack of three female condoms may cost Rs 100 in select medical stores. These highly lubricated condoms induct heat, they don’t work as a barrier and are said to offer more enjoyment.