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November 11, 2007

Female condom back in Uganda

by Rebecca Birungi
 
The World Health Organization (WHO) suspended the use of microbicides over safety concerns. Dangers that may put women at risk of acquiring infections.
 
In addition, the Ministry of Health and its donor partners are to re-introduce the "Femidom" (female) condom in April, 2008. The female condom was originally pulled from the market by the Ministry of Health after many were found on sale that had expired. 
 
According to Doctor Henry Kakande, the Technical Manager of the "Acquire Project", this new improved version of the Femidom, is part of a greater effort to to underline the importance and encourage "Family Planning" in Uganda. 

Dr. Kakande also stated that over 100,000 female condoms will be distributed via health centres and hospitals, free of charge, in the first quarter of 2008, by the health Ministry and the National Drug Authority (NDA).
 
According to professionals, the female condom can be inserted up eight hours, before intercourse, so that it does not interfere with the moment. Some of the youths in higher institutions we interacted with, are excited and agree that the female condom will protect them against Sexually Transmitted Diseases once used correctly. This female condom is about 6.5 inches in length. The woman wears it during the sexual engagement process. It has an inner and outer ring. The condom entirely limes the virginal and helps to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases especially HIV/AIDS.
 
Dr. Kakande further explained that Uganda will join other countries like Kenya, Tanzania, United States of America and South Africa in using the female condom giving women options to choose.
 
Women activitists say these condoms give women more power and responsibility relating to safer sex and contraception. They did point out however, that prevailing culture and society still makes it difficult for women to negotiate for safer sex even in this instance. They also added that the cost of the female condom will also be a barrier.

1 click here to comment:

Unknown said...

Greetings - While we welcome this news on the female condom, want to point out that the first line in your report is not accurate:

"The World Health Organization (WHO) suspended the use of microbicides over safety concerns. Dangers that may put women at risk of acquiring infections."

In fact there are no licensed use of microbicides on the market that can be suspended. The article may be referring to the closure of one specific microbicide trial of the product Cellulose Sulphate that was closed early, due to a trend towards harm. There are other ongoing microbicide trials and we do hope that one day we will have a safe an effective microbicide.

You can read more about the closed trial at: http://www.global-campaign.org/CS.htm

regards
Manju Chatani
African Microbicides Advocacy Group