http://www.newkerala.com/news-daily/news/features.php?action=fullnews&id=75974
India to make female condoms available in more states: [India News]: New Delhi, Feb 22 : India is planning to offer subsidised female condoms in nine more high birth rate and high HIV/AIDS prevalent states after successfully testing its acceptability and efficacy in a year-long project. Seen as an important tool that can be initiated by women to protect themselves against sexually transmitted diseases and prevent unplanned pregnancies, India launched in February 2004 the project to test the response and efficacy of female condoms in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Maharasthra. "The condom programme is now being brought entirely under the National AIDS Control Programme for the dual purpose of targeting both family welfare and AIDS control. "We are trying to properly position the product to avoid the stigma of female condom with promiscuity and sex workers and instead project it as a tool of women's empowerment," M.Y. Quraishi, head of National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), told IANS. He was speaking on the sidelines of a one-day workshop Tuesday to finalise plans for the roll out of the female condom in more regions together with UN partners, NGOs and the US-based Family Health Foundation (FHF), which has manufactured the female condoms for 10 years and state-owned healthcare products major Hindustan Latex Ltd (HLL). "By March-end we are planning to make female condom available in high birth rate and high HIV/AIDS prevalent states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Jharkhand, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Tripura," said Quraishi. He pointed out that of the estimated 5.1 million HIV infected cases in India, "one in every three cases reported is a woman. What is alarming is that over 40 percent of the new infections are reported to be women", said Quraishi. Studies have revealed that female condoms, made of polyurethane sheath with a plastic ring at each end, "have better mechanical properties than male condoms and offer better alternative to women as far as barrier methods for STD go", said M. Ayyappan, managing director of HLL. The officials feel that affordability of female condoms is a major issue that could prevent its regular use though studies have found 50-70 percent acceptability among women and men. Though the actual cost of importing female condoms from FHF's plant in Britain and marketing by HLL works out to around Rs.45 per piece, NACO would provide part of the subsidy to NGOs. These in turn would provide the condoms to users for around five rupees to make it more affordable. "Simultaneously, we plan to promote female condoms as a premium product for the affluent class and make it available in 100 lifestyle stores with a different packaging. We are in the process of finalising our plans for the launch by March end in Bangalore," said Ayyappan. Given that there has been a good response from among affluent classes even in countries like Zimbabwe, HLL plans to market the premium product for Rs.100 each. Experience of health workers and NGOs like Population Service International (PSI), which is supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), has found encouraging response from sex workers in Mumbai. "Acceptability was never an issue but the point is whether its use can be promoted on sustainable basis and not as a novelty. In most cases we found willingness of women to use it," said Shilpa Merchant of PSI. "Most women have reported that their husbands or regular clients too are receptive to the use of condom. Our attempt is to convince the regular partners to use it. Female condom is a niche product for prevention of STDs and HIV/AIDS. Something that gives women a clear choice," said Merchant. --Indo-Asian News Service -- Cheers, Gabe Menezes. Wimbledon, England ************************************************************** Greet your loved ones in Goa with flowers! http://www.goa-world.com/goa/expressions/ EXPRESSIONS - The Flower Shop. World famous all over Goa! **************************************************************
