A quarterly international newsletter on sexuality, sexual health, and sexuality education.
Volume 2, Issue 3 - Winter 2002/2003
Condoms Count: Wealthy Countries Fail to Meet Need in the Era of HIV/AIDS
At least 8 billion condoms are needed annually for protection against HIV/AIDS in developing countries and Eastern Europe, but wealthy countries are contributing less than one billion condoms-fewer than a decade ago-says a report from Population Action International.
Condoms Count: Meeting the Need in the Era of HIV/AIDS, documents the failure of the donor community-and many of the countries most affected by AIDS-to adequately support programs that promote and distribute male and female condoms. In the United States, this problem is compounded by the reluctance of Congress and the Administration to explicitly recognize condoms as a component of HIV/AIDS prevention.
"In 1990, the international community provided nearly 970 million condoms," says Amy Coen, President of PAI. "After a decade of erratic and inconsistent support, donors provided just 950 million condoms in 2000, while the U.S. contribution had dropped by roughly half.This doesn't come close to meeting the need and is morally reprehensible at a time when roughly 14,000 people become infected with HIV every day."
The report recognizes that condoms are only a part of the challenge in HIV/AIDS prevention.To be effective, prevention programs must include a range and mix of interventions tailored to the specific needs of various groups and localities. Many of the most successful HIV prevention programs include promotion of the "ABCs": abstinence, being faithful to one's partner, and condom use by the sexually active.
Condoms, used correctly and consistently, are an inexpensive way to protect against AIDS.The report states that at the international market price of US$0.03 (3 cents) per male condom, it would cost US$240 million to supply the minimum 8 billion condoms needed, while the cost or promotion and distribution would bring the total to at least $1.2 billion.
Condoms Count calls upon all nations, and especially donor nations and institutions, to act quickly to mount comprehensive prevention efforts that support promotion and distribution of male and female condoms.
Amy Coen stated,"We have a simple message for everyone involved in the battle against AIDS. Money matters, political commitment counts and condoms save lives. And it's time to act, now."
For a copy of the report and more information, contact:
Population Action International
1300 19th Street, N.W., Second Floor
Washington, D.C. 20006 USA
Phone: 202.557.3400
Fax: 202.728.4177
E-mail: pai@popact.org
Web site: http://www.populationaction.org
Web Master: siecus@siecus.org