Condom Distribution Programs

The facts about getting condoms to those who need them

Consistent and correct use of latex or polyurethane condoms is the most effective means to prevent HIV transmission and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Despite this knowledge, many at-risk
individuals lack access to condoms.

Condom Distribution Programs Help Stop the Spread of HIV

• Condom distribution programs make condoms easily accessible to at-risk communities. These highly-visible initiatives increase the public’s awareness of the importance of condom use, and encourage male and female condom use among sexually active persons.
  
  
• Projects like Love the One You’re With help to break down barriers that prevent persons from attaining these contraceptives, including costs, lack of sexual health education, geographic restrictions, and religious and social pressures.
  
  
• Condom distribution programs take many different forms.
  • New York City launched the nation’s largest citywide condom initiative, distributing 3 to 5 million condoms per month throughout 2007.
    
    
  • Counties in Florida, North Carolina, and Kentucky have major initiatives to promote healthy behavior by creating wide scale contributions of millions of condoms.
    
    
  • Condom advocacy programs can be implemented by community organizations, neighborhood health centers, youth groups and religious institutions.
    
    
  • Countries such as Brazil, Thailand, and South Wales have enacted nationwide condom distribution programs as a part of their National Health Initiatives, citing these programs as essential resources for their citizens.
    
    
    • Inspired by staunch condom advocate Mechai Viravaidya, owner of restaurant “Cabbages and Condoms”, Thailand became one of the first Southeast Asian countries to address the issue of AIDS and launch major condom campaigns.
      
      
    • Brazil is the only country in the world that distributes condoms nationwide under their Ministry of Health’s national agenda. Brazil also is a leading distributor of the female condom to the general public.

Condom Distribution and Education go hand in hand.
The comprehensive approach of pairing condom distribution with sexual health education makes certain that people can access condoms and use them correctly.

• Education on sexual health and safe practices are important in helping
  persons protect themselves against STD’s.
  
  
• Condoms, like any form of contraception, must be used properly in order to
  be most effective. Information on proper use must also be provided to
  persons.
  
  
• Providers and consumers should know how to properly store condoms, in dry
  areas that have a cool temperature.