New condom on streets

 THE prevalence of HIV-AIDS in the country is estimated to be more than 20% but the prevention rate is less than 5%, an official says.

National AIDS Council secretariat director Peter Bire revealed that during the launching of a new condom by the Population Services International last week in Port Moresby.

He said the bulk of the population at risk were sex workers, transgender people and to an extent young people who liked to explore different sex activities.

“This data indicates that HIV and STI’s in general are more common among young adults who account for over 60% of sexually transmitted disease notifications,” he said.

The new condom is the Seif Raider Orange Plus, the first ribbed and scented condom in the country. 

It aims to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted disease including HIV and unwanted pregnancy.

Population Services International country representative Gabriel Ganci thanked key stakeholders for their support in the distribution of the condoms.

He said the main aim was to influence healthy behaviour change by providing access to effective communication and affordable products to help Papua New Guineans protect their health. 

“Safe sex is our main priority and we are now looking at reducing the number of AIDS cases by increasing the distribution of condoms,” he said. 

He said the new orange scented condom was thinner, electronically tested, ISO-certified and endorsed by the National AIDS Council Secretariat. The condom was launched by Doctor Lucy John from the Department of Health disease control and Ganci.