PSI launches orange scented condom

Caption: Orange scented range condoms

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, February 2, 2014 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

IN its aim to help reduce Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and the spread of HIV and AIDS in Papua New Guinea- Population Services (PSI) International PNG launched its new range of orange scented ribbed condoms.

The condoms will now be available as of Friday last week and will have a retail value of K3 per packet, which contains four condoms.

Speaking at the launch, Director for the National AIDS Council Secretariat, Peter Bire said that the organisation had done well with its role in the prevention of STD, pregnancies, and HIV and AIDs.

“The condom remains the main prevention tool in the fight against HIV and AIDS,” Bire said.

“Acceleration of condom use is a key to overcome the spread of AIDS, and this can be achieved through effective marketing to overcome the stigma.”

He added that the inclusion of PSI as a partner in the fight was a significant intervention, as they had already were partners with the department of health in malaria and tuberculosis programs.

Sales Representative of PSI, Cain Lavett said that condom was to give users a choice to enjoy when engaging in intercourse, or oral sex.

“Apart from our other brands of Seif Raida (male condoms) Stap Seif (female condoms) which were plain- we wanted to have fun with a different base to enjoy that when having sex.”

“The orange scented range is safe to use with high emphasis low handling errors, and is accredited ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation).”

He added that in the future the organisation would look into other base ranges to give more variety to users, adding that the proceeds from the sales all go back into sustaining the programs.

“Most of the time people associate condoms to be free and take them for granted, what we are doing here is making people understand that it pays to be safe,” he said.

PSI established its PNG office in 2007 to assist the PNG Government’s efforts to measurably improve the health of all Papua New Guineans.

In support of the PNG’s Government’s HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan, PSI/PNG focuses on HIV prevention through targeted behavior change communication (BCC) and condom social marketing of Seif Raida male and Stap Seif female condoms.