Jim Shelton's Pearls

---

Pearl of the Week | Archives | Español | Français

April 23, 2001

Importance of Who Uses Condoms

You've been talking a lot about the relatively low number of condoms provided in African countries, but isn't it just as important to discuss who uses them and whether they are actually used?

Yes, absolutely. There is both a quantity issue and an equally if not more important "quality" issue. For true impact it is important to consider not only whether the condoms are actually used but how well they are used, and by whom and with whom.

In terms of overall impact to stem HIV and STIs, the highest priority is of course high-frequency transmitters. However, high-frequency transmitters are not always so easy to identify or reach, so condom-promotion and other prevention program efforts need to include other groups such as men and youth generally, along with the general population.

And of course many couples may wish to use condoms for family planning as well.

Previous | Next
Pearl Archive

The "Pearls" offer answers to commonly asked questions about family planning. These "Pearls" are prepared by Dr. James D. Shelton, Senior Medical Scientist, Office of Population, United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

© 2005 The Johns Hopkins University. All rights reserved.
Security and Privacy Policy, 111 Market Place, Suite 310, Baltimore, MD 21202, webmaster@jhuccp.org

Photos courtesy of Photoshare, a service of The INFO Project.