Female condom programme launched in TN

Chennai, Mar 14 (UNI) A female condom programme, aimed at reducing women's vulnerability to HIV/AIDS, was launched in Tamil Nadu today.

The pilot programme, launched by a partnership between Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society (TANSACS) and Hindustan Latex Family Planning Promotional Trust would reach out to 3,000 women from vulnerable population in the state.

The programme had been initiated as part of the National AIDS Control Organisation's efforts to provide female condoms to vulnerable populations in different states including Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.

TANSACS Director Supriya Sahu said the state had procured 60,000 female condoms at a cost of Rs 1.8 lakh.

Though the actual price was Rs 50, TANSACS had obtained it at a price of Rs 3. The condoms would eventually be sold at Rs five and a margin of Rs 1.75 would be provided as an incentive to peer educator, she said.

Stating that female condoms had for the first time provided women the personal choice to ensure her reproductive rights, Ms Sahu said TANSACS had reached out to over 18 lakh women through women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Tamil Nadu.

The strength of women SHGs would be used to ensure that the female condom reached women all over Tamil Nadu, she added.

Ms Sahu said six sites had been identified for the pilot programme in Vellore, Salem, Kanniyakumari, Tiruchirapalli, Chennai and Madurai through NGO partners.

UNI