Since its inception in 1970, PSI has used private-industry principles to increase demand for and access to condoms. In nearly 60 countries, PSI markets attractively-packaged, high-quality latex condoms at prices that low-income populations can afford. Employing traditional and non-traditional sales outlets (pharmacies, health clinics, bars, hotels, brothels, kiosks and salons), PSI reaches populations that may not have access to commercial condoms. PSI creates demand, provides education, encourages behavior change and supports distribution of its products through culturally appropriate media campaigns. As of January 2007, PSI's cumulative condom sales exceeded 7.8 billion.

When used consistently and correctly, latex condoms provide effective protection against HIV as well as other sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. Condoms also provide some protection against genital ulcer diseases and human papillomavirus infections such as herpes, syphilis, chancroid and cervical cancer. Finally, condoms provide contraceptive protection against unwanted pregnancy.

The following are some specific examples of PSI condom social marketing campaigns:

• PSI/Tanzania set a target of ensuring that Salama condoms were available in more than 90% of high-risk outlets (bars, guesthouses, brothels). Targeted distribution systems in the largest urban centers succeeded; high-risk outlets now stock condoms with availability surpassing 85%.
• PSI/Romania Love Plus condoms have become an essential part of the safer sexual practices of tens of thousands of Romanians. In 2005, the national Love Plus Image campaign was launched using television, indoor billboards and print media channels. PSI/Romania has sold nearly 55 million condoms since they were launched in Romania in 1998.
• PSI/Cambodia launched Number One condoms in 1994 and have since partnered with The Royal Cambodian Government on their 100% condom use program. In 2005, PSI/Cambodia launched the “Klahan” campaign, aimed at reversing the trend towards rising HIV/AIDS infections among trusting couples. Using television, radio, mobile video units and a focused website, this campaign helps people better gauge their personal risk and builds social support for using condoms outside of commercial sex situations. In 2006, PSI/Cambodia sold over 26 million condoms.

Men and women report many barriers to condom use, from lack of confidence in the product to lack of perceived disease risk to decreased pleasure. In recent DHS surveys, reported condom use at last higher risk sex act varied from a low of 15% among Malian women to a high of 72% of Vietnamese men, indicating a need for increased behavior change and social marketing programs for condom use.

Lessons learned from AIDS prevention efforts in the past 10 years offer a wealth of information about condom acceptability. Behavior change communications and condom promotion activities have led the way in educating populations on the importance of condom use for AIDS and pregnancy prevention. PSI’s targeted condom programs give people the information and products they need to protect themselves.

• Back to Family Planning

• Back to HIV/AIDS

In Guatemala, PSI's condom brand VIVE is available at a variety of vendors, including non-traditional outlets such as kiosks, bars and brothels.

The Love Plus line of condoms in Romania includes colored and textured condoms as well as basic latex condoms.

In Myanmar, condoms have become available to even the most rural populations.