According to the ministry of Health, condom use is a critical element in a comprehensive, effective and sustainable approach to triple protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV/Aids and unintended pregnancies provided they are used correctly and consistently.
However, despite the triple purposes that condoms serve and the high prevalence of risky sexual behaviours, the use of condoms in Uganda has remained low. The ministry attributes this to relatively low investment in demand creation, low availability and accessibility to condoms at community level as well as persistent stigma and misconceptions surrounding condom use.
In order to increase condom use in the country, Marie Stopes Uganda has launched a new condom brand; Flame condom as an addition to their growing product portfolio and providing a full range of sexual reproductive healthcare products for men and women.
While launching these condoms on Valentine’s day, Dr Peter Ddungu, the country director of Marie Stopes, said that according to the research they have conducted in the country, there has been declining condom use over the last couple of years and one of the reasons for this are the perceptions that the condoms which work as a barrier method of protection against HIV/Aids and STIs in turn reduce sexual sensation and intimacy.
“One of the main barriers to condom use is the misconception that they reduce sensation and intimacy but we are determined to address this challenge through creative, forward- thinking solutions. Today’s consumers no longer just use condoms for their primary function of protection against STDs and unintended pregnancy. They are also looking for condoms that provide enhanced experiences and Flame condom caters to this desire by providing a fun, pleasurable experience that also prioritizes safety,” he said.
Ddungu added that socially marketed condom products are essential because they help normalize condom use among the population, increase demand and ensure availability through a range of accessible outlets.
This mid-tier condom brand comes in three variants with features such as extra time lubricant, ribbed, dotted, contoured, flavoured and studded all intended to give users longer lasting pleasure, more intensity and greater stimulation.
Dr Charles Olaro, director Curative Services of the ministry of Health, noted that the introduction of Flame condoms is a great contribution to the National Comprehensive Condom Programming Strategy which seeks to increase the availability and access to condoms through commercial channels.
“These condoms fall under one of our key strategies as the ministry; the Total Market Approach where the public sector, private sector and social marketing organizations work together to ensure accessible family planning services,” he said.