The introduction of new female condoms in Ethiopia is hoping to reduce the transmission of the HIV virus especially among Ethiopia’s sex workers..
Dubbed FC2, the condom is similar to the first female condom (FC1) only that they do not make noise which some users found distracting.
The condoms are distributed by The Wise-Up Project which hopes to raise awareness of the new condom. They are also working to create demand in 28 cities across the country.
“We believe the new female condom could contribute to decreasing the transmission of HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections,” said project coordinator Yenenesh Tarekegn.
The new condoms are seen as a welcome for female sex workers as it will give them more control.
“If a female condom can be inserted, even a few hours before sex, we will be able to protect ourselves by putting it in before we go with our customers,” remarked 26 year old sex worker Frehiwot Belay.
The Wise-Up Project is a HIV-prevention program targetting sex workers, their clients, intimate partners, and gatekeepers, and other most at-risk populations.It is part of the Ethiopian branch of DKT International, a non-profit organization that to promotes family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention through social marketing.