The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #50419

Nada Chaya, Demographer, Research Department, Population Action International, 1300, 19th Street, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 557-3400, nchaya@popact.org

Despite documented critical needs for condoms throughout the developing world, support for this essential HIV prevention strategy has not kept up with rising need for it. This follows falling trends in funding for all reproductive health supplies. Precise and consistent estimates of condom need are key for monitoring and advocacy purposes and for securing adequate supplies. Several estimates of condom requirements for STI and HIV prevention have been made. This paper compares the different estimates available and the assumptions behind them. It also explores the gap between requirements and donor financing for condoms.

UNFPA estimates that around 8 billion condoms were needed in 2000 for STI and HIV prevention in the developing world. Following recent trends in donor funding for contraceptives, donors were expected to supply over 3 billion condoms in 2000 but supplied 626 million only, or one fifth of their expected share. Other estimates available on condom requirements range from 3 billions for in sub-Saharan Africa to 24 billions condoms globally.

The need for condoms is projected to increase in the developing world in the coming decade. Fueling this increase is the high HIV prevalence in many developing countries, growing interest in condom use, and the large number of young people now entering their reproductive years. In light of current and projected shortfalls of condoms, preventing HIV and other STIs requires concerted effort to provide sufficient support for condom supplies. Strategies must focus on increasing donor, developing country and private sector financing.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will learn about the estimation of the condom gap. They will be able to recognize and discuss the need for condoms. They can use the information acquired during the session to advocate for increased funding for condoms.

Keywords: Financing, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.