In the run-up to World Aids Day on Friday, December 1, women in Anguilla are being introduced to a new female condom aimed at giving them the power to protect their sexual health.

Mrs. Beard showing female condom

HIV/AIDS Coordinator, Patricia Beard, whose office is promoting the condom, says the drive is part of a series of ongoing activities to spread awareness of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

“The female condom, which is new on the island, is very expensive but because we want women to use it we are giving the first batch free,” she said. “As from next year, however, they will be expected to pay three US dollars for it. In St. Maarten it is being sold for seven US dollars.”

Mrs. Beard went on: “We brought in the female condom because we have a lot of men refusing to wear condoms and women are afraid. “We want women to feel that they have the power over their health and to take care of themselves. If they are wearing a condom, the men do not have to do so. By having a condom of their own, women are empowered to start thinking ‘no sex without a condom.’”

| Printer-friendly page | Send this article to a friend |

World News