SA condoms a hit in Bangkok
Candace Freeman
19 July 2004
The South African exhibition at the 15th International Aids Conference that took place in Bangkok, Thailand last week, was a firm favourite among delegates, with the SA government's "Choice" condoms being the first material to run out midway through the conference.
The stand, opened by Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang at the start of the conference, showcased some of the interventions made by the South African government in the fight against HIV and Aids.
Health Department spokesperson Sibani Mngadi said thousands of South Africa's newly branded condoms had "disappeared like hotcakes".
The new-look "Choice" condom is still be provided free of charge, but is now packaged in a "smarter", more attractive way in order to encourage more sexually active South Africans to use it.
South Africa distributed over 300 million public sector condoms for free in 2003.
"We took 10 000 male condoms for the exhibition", Mngadi said. "Like in many other countries, there are no free condoms available to the general public in Thailand."
Mngadi said delegates had discussed approaches to the prevention of HIV and Aids, with some countries arguing against the use of condoms.
"South Africa reiterated its position that people should be encouraged to abstain from sex, and that those who are sexually active should be faithful to one partner", Mngadi said, but added that, for those who chose to neither of these options, condoms should be made available.
There were more than 300 exhibition stands at the conference, with exhibitors ranging from small NGOs to the world's super-powers and major multinational drug companies.
Source: BuaNews
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