Effective at reducing TRANSMISSION
Condoms serve as an effective physical barrier to the exchange of bodily fluids during sex and help prevent transmission of various STIs, including HIV.
Studies show condoms reduce the risk of HIV transmission by 85-91% when used correctly.
Probability of transmission is further reduced when condoms are used with other prevention tools such as PrEP.
Condom distribution
Condoms are generally available commercially, but condom distribution programmes (CDP) can help to widen access by providing free condoms to disproportionately impacted groups. They also help to educate and connect at-risk individuals with support services.
CDPs can be a useful structural intervention as they help to change social and economic environments by increasing availability, accessibility and acceptability of condom use.
WHAT CAN LEGISLATORS DO?
Subsidise the cost of condoms in state health budgets
Approve funding for condom distribution programmes
Work with local community groups to increase awareness of condom benefits
Support sex education programmes for young people
Remove stigmatising and/or punitive restrictions on key populations who rely on condoms for prevention, including sex workers
Promote initiatives that provide free condoms in hotels, gay clubs and saunas
USEFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES
https://www.healthline.com/health/hiv/do-condoms-prevent-hiv#condoms-and-hiv
https://www.aidsmap.com/about-hiv/do-condoms-work
https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/programresources/guidance/condoms/index.html
https://bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12879-019-3839-0
https://www.infomigrants.net/en/post/12277/free-condoms-for-refugees-and-migrants
https://www.euronews.com/2018/11/27/france-to-fully-reimburse-condoms-to-combat-aids
https://www.apcom.org/demand-for-hiv-prevention-during-covid-19-testbkk-experience/
https://www.testbkk.org/safesex/?lang=en
https://asiapacific.unfpa.org/en/news/cambodias-successful-condom-programme-faces-fresh-challenges
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501108710/moh-urges-free-condom-distribution-at-hotels-guesthouses/