It’s Not a Competition: The Importance of Condoms as a Cost-Effective Option for Protection
By Violet Munthali
As countries turn to HIV treatment options to end the HIV epidemic by 2030, we run the risk of male and female condoms falling off policy and programmatic agendas in some countries. Condoms, when used correctly and consistently, are safe and highly effective in preventing transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, and unplanned pregnancies. Male condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can lower the risk of HIV transmission by up to 90 percent, while female condoms offer protection of up to 94 percent. Moreover, condoms serve as a barrier against other sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Overall, condoms are safe, inexpensive, and widely available.
“…International Condom Day serves as a vital reminder of the crucial role condoms play in dual prevention of STIs, including HIV, and unwanted pregnancies.”
Every February 13, International Condom Day serves as a vital reminder of the crucial role condoms play in dual prevention of STIs, including HIV, and unwanted pregnancies. There should be no competition between antiretroviral medicine-based prevention approaches and condoms. It is critical to convey harmonized messages for individuals for their protection, including messages for people in countries where viral load monitoring is not yet available.
One key aspect of condom programming is to ensure that all sexually active persons at risk of STIs and unintended pregnancies are motivated to use condoms, have easy access to quality condoms and lubricants, and can use them consistently and correctly. Lubricants are important to prevent slippage or tearing. It’s crucial to emphasize that condom failure is often due to incorrect or inconsistent use rather than product failure itself.
Expanding supply and demand with a total market approach
This dual protection makes male and female condoms indispensable tools for promoting sexual health and preventing the spread of diseases. Family planning programs have been pushing for more effective methods such as hormonal contraceptives and implants in recent years, but the recommendation stands that a wide range of products should be provided, including condoms for triple protection, to ensure that each woman and man has their different contraceptive needs met. To ensure that condoms are available at the hardest to reach places, there is a need to address both supply and demand through a “total market approach.” This will inevitably promote and increase the distribution of all varieties of condoms irrespective of brands to enhance accessibility and affordability, reduce overreliance on free condoms, and increase consumption of condoms distributed commercially and through social marketing.
In Malawi, PROPEL Health is collaborating with the National AIDS Commission and Department of HIV and AIDS to implement comprehensive condom programming. Taking a total market approach, we aim to extend the reach and enhance the supply of condoms by strengthening governance at the district level to coordinate condom programming and monitor progress.
On this International Condom Day, let’s continue to re-engage, re-invigorate, and re-educate about condoms, while also advocating for comprehensive sexual health education and access to condoms for all individuals. By promoting condom use and ensuring its availability, we can empower people to take control of their sexual health and reduce the spread of STIs and unintended pregnancies.
Violet Munthali is a technical advisor for HIV, TB, and malaria with the PROPEL Health project in Malawi.
