Female Condom gains unexpected acceptance in Africa
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Source: http://www.unfoundation.org/unwire/
(Donald McNeil, New York Times, 25 July, 1999)
In a development that surprises many public health experts, the
female condom is catching on in Africa, Asia and Latin America,
the New York Times reported.
The female condom has become "an important new weapon in the
fight against the AIDS epidemic," as well as helping to halt
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and providing an important
new form of contraception.
Dr. Kelvin Billinghurst, an AIDS specialist in Africa: "We were
astounded at the response - completely caught unawares. We
thought it would be ladies putting it in before their husbands
came home drunk and trying to keep it a secret. But we found
there was a demand from males, too."
While public health experts were afraid men would shun the
method, "some men say they find the feel of the female condom
stimulating" and prefer it to traditional condoms. However, the
acceptance of the method is varied. While the female condom "is
a hit in Zimbabwe," it is "almost unknown" in neighbouring Bot-
swana.
Public health researchers are now studying whether the female
condom can be washed and reused. Researchers in Soweto, South
Africa, report "promising" results, though the World Health Or-
ganization has yet to review the data. One researcher said the
findings may show that it is safe to use the female condom "up
to five times, if the user washes it with warm water and liquid
soap, does not let fingernails or rings tear it and dries it
with a clean towel."
Reuse would cut the price of female condoms - 62 cents for
women in developing countries under a deal negotiated by UNAIDS
- in half or even lower.
UNAIDS Executive Director Peter Piot is quoted in the article:
"There is an urgent need for more methods to prevent HIV infec-
tion, especially those that put women in control"
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