Madagascar to Distribute 15 Million Free Condoms

A senior official with Madagascar's national AIDS committee said Tuesday the large island nation plans to distribute 15 million free condoms next year as part of a campaign to promote safe sex and control the spread of HIV/AIDS. The cheapest accessible condoms are the Protector brand, but at a cost of 500 Fmg (five U.S. cents) they are still far too expensive for many, said Fenosoa Ratsimanetrimanana, the committee's executive secretary. Madagascar has promoted condoms before, but this will be its first-ever purchase for free condom distribution.

Antenatal clinic surveys suggest that about 1.1 percent of the poor nation's 17 million population are HIV-infected, according to the World Health Organization. That is an increase from the 0.16 percent prevalence in 2000. "The figures we have are not exact, but it is clear rates of infection are steadily increasing," said Dr. Andre Ndikuyeze, WHO's country representative.

Madagascar invited bids from condom producers, said Ratsimanetrimanana, who hopes the purchase will help make condoms familiar to the populace as a weapon against AIDS. When the condom supply runs out, the government may buy more if financial resources are available, he said.

It can be difficult to discuss condoms and sexual issues in conservative Madagascar, aid workers say. Catholic Archbishop Cardinal Gaetan Razafindatrandra has stated publicly that condoms are not effective against HIV.

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