Condom use / 100% condom use programme

There is compelling evidence that condoms, when used consistently and correctly, protect against unwanted pregnancy and the transmission of HIV and several other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, promotion of condom use is an essential component of any HIV/STI prevention and care programme. Evidence confirms that the successful promotion of condom use as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention programme focused on behaviour change is effective in reducing HIV.

In the Asia Pacific region, a key factor in the sexual transmission of HIV is the low level of condom use in sex work. Female sex workers usually become infected with HIV from infected clients who do not use condoms when having sex with them. Once infected with HIV, sex workers may then transmit the virus to other male clients, who may infect their wives, girlfriends or other sex workers.

In an effort to reduce the spread of HIV, targeted interventions such as the 100% condom use programme is being promoted among various countries in the region where HIV transmission through sex work is a problem. This programme has been found effective in reducing HIV transmission in the sex work, and significantly prevent further spreading to the general public.

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