• Condoms and other contraceptives

Condoms and other contraceptives

This paper from the Population Council looks at the role of research, advocacy and education on the availability and uptake of female condoms in Zimbabwe. It also highlights the role that women’s organizations can play in educating and influencing policymakers who make decisions about the introduction of new technologies and resource allocation.

Despite the successful introduction of the female condom, the report highlights a number of questions have emerged that have implications for its potential contribution to HIV/STI prevention in Zimbabwe. These concern how the product is introduced, with whom and how often it is used, and whether it is being substituted for male condoms or being used by women who could not negotiate male condom use. Current research being supported by Horizons and other research projects will provide important information on use patterns, negotiation, continuation, and method substitution. These data will be critical for future decisions about targeting, complementary educational activities to maximize use, and the allocation of resources for further educational and promotional activities. [adapted from author]

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