Ten free condoms per month for all sexually active men. The Aids Access Foundation is making this proposal to prevent the spread of the HIV virus and other STDs.
The foundation believes this is urgently needed because 9.000 cases of HIV were added last year and the number of STDs doubled between 2007 and 2011.
Every year, the Ministry of Health distributes 40 million condoms free of charge to high-risk groups, such as men who have sex with men, sex workers and young people. Last week it announced that it will also distribute 49 mm condoms in addition to the 52 and 54 mm condoms. It has been found that for men under the age of 30 the two smaller condom sizes are too small and they have unprotected sex. According to the Department of Disease Control, 46,9 percent of Thais use a condom.
The Aids Access Foundation (AAF) and the Foundation for Aids Rights consider the number of 40 million condoms insufficient. They also plead for more widespread distribution of free condoms and lowering the retail price of condoms. Nimit Tian-udom of the AAF says condoms are not widely available.
270 million condoms are sold every year. A pack of 3 condoms typically costs 30 baht, which is 10 percent of the minimum daily wage of 300 baht, according to Ms. Supatra Nakapew of the Foundation for Aids Rights. Most condoms are made in Thailand, so they should be cheaper, she thinks.
Supatra points out that an agreement has been reached on the price of condoms with former director Witit Artavatkun of the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation. The GPO could produce and sell condoms for 2 baht each. However, Witit was fired in May [not because of this arrangement]. Whether that cheaper condom will be available depends on the new director, but an appointment may take some time because Witit has appealed against his dismissal to the administrative court.
(Source: Bangkok Post, July 24, 2013)
About this blogger
-
Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
Enough hobbies, but unfortunately little time: writing for Thailandblog, fitness, health and nutrition, shooting sports, chatting with friends and some other oddities.
Read the latest articles here
HotelsJanuary 13 2025Escape to luxury and nature at Roukh Kiri Khao Yai
News from ThailandJanuary 13 2025Same-sex couples in Thailand can register their marriage from January 23
Food and drinkJanuary 13 2025Eating in Isaan (video)
thai tipsJanuary 13 2025Photography tips: How to take better beach photos in Thailand?
Aspirins are much cheaper, aren't they? If the ladies hold it firmly enough between their knees, little can go wrong!