Free condoms anyone?

Condoms. We all know what they are and where to get them, right? We’re all willing and able to toss them into our basket on a Saturday afternoon drug store run, right? And if we discover an empty box in our nightstand we are definitely going to put our pants back on and drive out to the store to get some, right?...right?

We know that “condom use is a critical element in a comprehensive, effective and sustainable approach to HIV prevention and treatment.”1 We also know that even in a prosperous city like Calgary, people can’t always afford or even access condoms regularly.

“Condoms must be readily available universally, either free or at low cost, and promoted in ways that help overcome social and personal obstacles to their use. Condom use is more likely when people can access them at no cost or at greatly subsidized prices. Effective condom promotion targets not only the general population, but also people at higher risk of HIV exposure, especially women, young people, sex workers and their clients, injecting drug users and men who have sex with men.”2

The good news is that it’s easy to address both cost and accessibility. All we need to do is give the condoms away for free. This is where agencies like AIDS Calgary can step in to utilize our wide network of distribution channels. We distribute free male condoms, female condoms and dental dams via events, community venues, outreach at other social service agencies, street level outreach and through our office. Our popular wall-mounted condom bins in fixed locations also mean we are able to reach diverse individuals and communities in areas where they are already accessing services and social activities.

Giving away free condoms seems simple, and it is. Grabbing a few from a basket in front of you is just as simple. So go ahead, grab some and keep that nightstand stocked!


Sources:
1. WHO, UNAIDS, UNFPA. Position Statement on Condoms and HIV Prevention, 2004. Retrieved August 31, 2010. http://www.unfpa.org/upload/lib_pub_file/343_filename_Condom_statement.pdf
2. WHO, UNAIDS, UNFPA.