India’s National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) plans to roll out low-cost female condoms in four states to help stop the spread of HIV among women the country, The Times of India reports (timesofindia.indiatimes.com, 3/6).
The condom will cost five rupees—about 12 cents—and will be given out to sex workers and housewives in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal over the next eight months. After reviewing data from these four states, NACO will decide whether or not to implement the program nationwide.
“When a male partner refuses to wear a condom, women need self-initiated methods to protect themselves against unplanned pregnancies and HIV/AIDS,” said Union Health Minister A. Ramadoss.
According to the Times, nearly 40 percent of the 2.5 million people living with HIV in India are women.
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