Development of strategic plan for comprehensive condom programming

Abstract

Condom has been proven to be an effective tool for prevention of HIV, sexually transmitted infec¬tions, and pregnancy. Thailand has been recognized in the success of condom promotion in sex work settings through 10096 condom use programme. However, the condom use is still low and inconsistent in other groups of population. There are critical gaps and challenges including management. This prompted US to develop the strategic plan for comprehensive condom programming in order to extend and sustain the success of condom use to all groups of population. The development was divided into three stages; (1) situation analysis and knowledge synthesis, (2) development of strategic plan, and (3) finalization and advocacy of the plan. The Strategic plan has the vision that all people have positive attitude, universally access to and use of quality male condom or female condom and lubricants correctly and consistently. There are four strategies; first, develop policy, leadership, and coordination mechanism; second, promote stigma reduction and attitude change toward condom; third, promote demand, access to, and utilization of condom; and fourth, enhance condom management and service. The comprehensive condom strategies have been accepted and incorporated into the new national strategic plan of HIV prevention and alleviation for 2012-2016.