With nearly 86 percent of HIV transmission through unsafe sex in India, the National
AIDS Control Programme (NACP) has consistently been promoting condom use as a safe
sex practice for prevention of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and
protection from unwanted pregnancy.
Condom promotion programme, on one hand makes condoms readily available to individuals
either for free or at highly subsidized prices by expanding condom distribution
networks and on the other hand encourages the consistent use of condoms through
education, counselling and advertising. In this direction, condom promotion campaigns
both at generic and brand promotion level, have been undertaken in India with varying
levels of efforts.
The specific Condom Promotion Objectives are:
- Increase demand for condoms among high risk, bridge and general population
- Expanding social marketing programme to saturate coverage in high HIV prevalence
and/or high family planning need districts and to increase the demand for condoms
- Maximize access of free condoms amongst the most vulnerable groups – while minimizing
wastage
- Increase sales in rural areas and expand availability through condom sales through
non-traditional outlets (stores not previously selling / that do not usually sell
condoms)
- Increase the accessibility of condoms to make it available within 15 minutes of
walking distance from any location
NACO’s Condom Promotion strategy focuses on two aspects - ensuring availability and creating demand for condoms.