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UNAIDS Recognizes the Female Condom's Role in HIV/AIDS Prevention
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) estimates that nearly 50% of all new HIV infections occur in women.
The female condom is the only woman-controlled product that provides protection against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, as well as unintended pregnancy. Studies have shown that when the female condom is available as an option, the number of unprotected sex acts decreases. As a result, interest in the female condom has proven high in many public sector markets.
The Female Health Company has recently signed a three-year agreement with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) to provide a global public sector price for the female condom. The agreement enables each of the program's 160 U.N. member states to purchase the female condom in bulk at a significantly reduced price for the public sector. A major adjunct to the agreement is the launch of an intensive education and "social marketing" program supported by UNAIDS, which is vital to securing acceptance and correct usage of this revolutionary product. Studies have shown high rates of acceptance when the female condom is introduced with an effective educational approach.
Dr. Peter Piot, executive director of UNAIDS, said, "Making the female condom more accessible is an important step forward in increasing the prevention arsenal for women. The female condom...is especially important in cultures and situations in which women have limited control over sexual decisions."
Dr. Mary Ann Leeper, president and COO of the Female Health Company, said, "We are delighted with the agreement. We are committed to providing the appropriate resources and support to enhance the availability and use of the female condom in developing countries."
The Female Health Company is based in Chicago, and owns the worldwide rights to the female condom including international patents issued in the U.S., Japan, The European Union, The People's Republic of China, Canada and Australia.
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