PSI/Romania Builds World's Longest Condom Chain

BUCHAREST, Romania, October 28, 2007 — With the attention of national and international media alike, PSI/Romania successfully broke the world record for the longest condom chain using its very own Love Plus condoms — the only socially-marketed brand in Romania. The final tally read: 1683 volunteers, 180 minutes, 25,773 Love Plus condoms, 3269 meters.

PSI/Romania’s “Continue the Chain of Life” event was borne out of a challenge from the record holder from last year’s World AIDS Day — UNESCO Thailand — as well as the creativity of the Youth Team to raise critical awareness of the disturbing 34% increase in HIV/AIDS rates from 2004 to 2006 among Romania’s young people. The messages disseminated during the event emphasized that along with fidelity and abstinence, condoms are the only solid protection against sexually transmitted infections.

For this first-ever event in Romania, PSI staff were able to harness the energy of its successful Fac Ce Vreau, Dar Stiu Ce Fac (“I do what I want, but I know what I’m doing”) HIV/AIDS preventioncampaign. Initiated in November 2005, the campaign slogan has become a well-known phrase among Romanian youth that recognizes young people’s desire for independence but encourages personal sexual responsibility. The program targets urban youth between the ages of 18 to 24 and has recruited over 600 young opinion leaders in Bucharest to diffuse messages on safer sexual practices among their social networks.

A major force at the event was nationally-acclaimed singer Loredana, Romania’s very own “Madonna,” who kicked off the event by tying the first condom knot. Loredana’s presence and support helped drive home the message for Romanian youth to be sexually responsible. She noted that she, “gladly accepted the invitation to participate in the event on Sunday because it was a unique and forceful idea and it will draw the attention of the public to the alarming increase of new HIV/AIDS cases among young Romanians.”

Immediately following the event, the new World Record was certified by the US-based World Records Academy, with recognition by Guinness World Records expected in the near future. The PSI/Romania team is currently working to submit the required evidence, including signed statements by independent witnesses, media coverage, video footage, photos, proofs of measurements and documentation on size and quality of Love Plus condoms, in expectation of receiving good news by year end.

— Ioana Ulmeanu, Cristian Branea and Tracey Tuyen

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