Condom distribution goes to night clubs

With 27 days left to the end of the mass condom distribution campaign, Population Service International, a global health partner has stepped up efforts by introducing condom distribution machines at various night clubs in the city. The campaign was launched by the National AIDS Control Commission (CNLS) during the commemoration of last year’s World AIDS day on December 1. According to a source from CNLS, this initiative is coordinated by PSI but is in line with the on-going national campaign that aims at increasing the use of condoms as a preventive measure against the spread of HIV/AIDS. “An easier way of purchasing condoms, especially for revellers who go to most night clubs in the city, has been introduced and this will increase access to condoms. This programme has the same goal of encouraging the use of condoms for HIV prevention but it’s an initiative of PSI,” the source who preferred to remain anonymous said. Officials explained that Rwf300 in coins are inserted into the machine which ejects a packet of male condoms.The Executive Secretary of CNLS, Dr. Anita Asiimwe, recently noted that HIV infections in the country currently stands at 1 percent among the youths of 15-24 years and 3 percent on average countrywide. “Under this campaign that will end this month, we hope to increase access to condoms, especially for the risky groups such as the youth, discordant couples (where one partner is infected and the other is not) and sex workers. “We emphasize condom use because it is one of the most effective HIV methods, but unfortunately, most people attach its use to infidelity yet it’s a sign of responsibility,” she said. Asiimwe also added that over three million condoms will be distributed by the end of the three-month campaign. Ends