New female condom undergoes test

Auxilia Katongomara Chronicle Reporter
THE Ministry of Health and Child Care plans to introduce a cupid female condom to replace the octagon-shaped femidom which is facing resistance from most women. The Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council recently raised concern over the low uptake of the femidom, which has been in circulation for years.

Speaking to Chronicle yesterday, Anna Machiya, the National Condom Coordinator in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, said they were conducting acceptability studies in the country before introducing the cupid female condom. “We’re conducting acceptability studies in Bulawayo, Beitbridge, Mutare, Shurugwi and Murehwa. These studies will determine if the condom is accepted by the public or not,” said Machiya.

She said the cupid condom would provide more options for women in the fight against HIV/Aids and unwanted pregnancies. “This will widen HIV prevention options for women. Currently only one type of female condom is being distributed. We want to increase the choice for female condom users who are the ones mostly affected by HIV and unwanted pregnancies,” said Machiya

She said the cupid condom differed from the femidom (FC2) as it is made from latex material, has a sponge for easy insertion and a hexagon shape compared to the octagon of the femidom condom.

Machiya was, however, quick to point out that there was a misconception regarding the period in which one could put on the female condoms. “Both condoms can be worn before or during foreplay, shortly before couples engage in intercourse. However, they can be worn for up to eight hours but not to say that they have to be worn eight hours before,” said Machiya.

She said the studies were meant to identify advantages and disadvantages of using the condom from the perspective of its users, including perceptions of women’s ability to negotiate for its use in long term relationships.

According to the latest council minutes, the Ministry of Health made an application to the Bulawayo City Council to conduct a female condom acceptability study.

The researchers from the Ministry intend to use Pumula Clinic as the centre of their data collection.

In a letter to the BCC, the Ministry said it was eager to introduce the cupid female condom for both public sector distribution and social marketing.