HLL launches betel flavoured condoms

Mumbai, July 17 (UNI) Family Health International(FHI) in collaboration with Hindustan Latex Limited (HLL) has launched a 'paan (betel leaf) flavored Aastha condom,' specially targetted for use among the commercial sex workers (CSWs).

FHI is implementing the Aastha project as a part of the 'Avahan India AIDS Initiative of the Bill&Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) to increase condom usage among CSWs.

Speaking on the occasion, the Director of FHI (Maharashtra Program), Dr Sanjeevsingh Gaikwad explained, ''The project developed a new paan flavor keeping in mind the preferences of the community.

Tests of chocolate, strawberry, banana and paan were carried out and there was widespread preference for the paan flavor.'' Gaikward said that the easy availability and quality of the Aastha condom has been well appreciated by CSWs and till date the project has distributed 13.8 million condoms. Also, responding to the need expressed by CSWs, various flavors of condoms were tested.

''Condoms are widely considered as one of the most important tools to prevent the transmission of HIV. Correct and consistent condom usage with the regular and not so regular clients of sex workers to a large extent can prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV, '' he added.

On launching the Aastha paan flavored condom, the Chairman&MD of HLL M Ayyappan said, '' Condom promotion is an important aspect in HIV prevention. Our country has taken several effective steps in containing HIV and AIDS. HLL is actively involved in increasing condom usage in the country, by offering a range of condoms for meeting the needs of different segments of society''.

The Aastha project is a five-year project (2004-2009) in Maharashtra, supported by the BMGF in Mumbai and Thane districts with an aim to reduce the incidence of HIV and STI among CSWs and their partners through strategic behavior communications, condom provision and STI treatement services.

Last month itself, the project had reached more than 53,000 female, male and transgender sex workers with HIV prevention services, that include quality outreach education, STI services and regular supply of condoms. The project has provided clinical services through 17 static clinics, 42 satellite clinics and 300 monthly health camps to 46,000 CSWs each of whom have visited the clinic at least once.

HLL, which commenced its operations in 1969 is into manufacturing and marketing the widest range of contraceptives and health care-aids. It's contraceptive range is unique in that it provides a range of condoms, including female condoms, intra-uterine devices, oral contraceptive pills, steroidal, non-steroidal and emergency contraceptive pills, injectables, contraceptive cream and tubal rings.

UNI