Condoms for the prevention of HIV transmission

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Abstract
Humans being fundamentally polygamous, condoms should be recognized and promoted as central to an integrated approach for family planning, HIV prevention, and the control of sexually transmitted diseases. They must be more widely and effectively distributed and promoted in both more developed and developing nations. Available data on the ability of condoms to stem the transmission of HIV are limited, yet nonetheless indicative of condoms' general protective effect. Comparatively high prevalence and use of condoms are, however, found only in Japan, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Singapore, and Trinidad and Tobago. Use in the U.S. is under that of a generation ago, while only extremely low levels are found throughout most of Africa, Asia, and South America. The industrialized nations of the West are most readily in the position of affording increased condom prevalence and use through increased manufacturing capacity and intensified promotion of moderate behavioral change among users. The nations of the 3rd World, however, lack the monetary and logistical resources to finance a rapid increase in condom prevalence, and are demanded to focus their energies more than ever where they are most needed, and expected to produce most significant impact. Up to $1 billion/year would be needed from donor agencies to meet universal need for condoms in Africa alone. Simple and cheap though condoms may be, such cost is too high to bear. The use of social marketing is therefore endorsed to target high-risk groups of populations as a means of maximizing resources for greatest potential impact. NGOs will play a major role in condom distribution, and should expect to work with, instead of through, ministries of health.

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