REDUCED CONDOM sales have pushed the Ministry of Health to find more innovative ways of encouraging greater use of condoms with the installation of condom machines at a number of locations in the Corporate Area.
The national AIDS Committee at a National HIV/ STI control programme press conference at Caymanas Track in Portmore, St. Catherine on Wednesday unveiled two new condom machines installed at the track to make condoms more accessible to the hundreds of patrons who visit the facility each week.
The installation of the machines are part of a pilot project being conducted by the AIDS committee to boost condom sales, especially among men. Dr. Yitades Gebre, senior medical officer at the Ministry of Health, noted that condom distribution still needed to be increased.
"Distribution (of condoms) must be increased at non-traditional outlets, clubs, lounges and hotels. The places many individuals are likely to meet new partners are at the low end of the distribution scale at 85 per cent," he said.
CONDOM DEMAND
According to a study conducted during the period 1994-2003 by the Ministry of Health, condom demand was declining due to an increase in retail prices. The study indicated that all condom distributors except Durex experienced declining sales over the past two to three years.
The study also revealed that condom sales are currently at 9.3 million, which is less than the 9.7 and 10 million in sales experienced in previous years. This is cause for concern among health officials, who report that approximately 25,000 Jamaicans are estimated to be living with HIV/ AIDS.
"We must ensure that persons are sufficiently reminded about the need to practice safer sex. We must ensure that persons know how to use the condoms correctly and every time. And we must ensure that condoms are not difficult to get," Dr. Gebre said.
Each machine was purchased by the Ministry for less than US$500 and condoms can be had from the machines for $30 each. The machines are also expected to provide greater comfort for persons who are uncomfortable with purchasing condoms in stores or pharmacies.
PROMOTION
A billboard with the message, 'Champion Jockeys Never Ride Bare Back. Use a Condom' has been strategically placed along the track so that during the races safe sex is also promoted.
Fliers and fact sheets about safer sex and using the machines will be distributed on popular race days by Facey Pharmaceuticals, which is a partner in the programme.
The pilot programme started in February and will continue until December, when a review and evaluation will be conducted to determine if the programme should be continued.
Condom machines have so far been installed at the University of Technology, the University of the West Indies and Margaritaville, Montego Bay, St. James.
