Speaking at a recent press briefing launching a new condom brand, Executive Director Richard Harrison said he strongly believes it is high time low priced condoms were made available on the market: “Now is the time for a new low-priced condom brand to help grow the total market for condoms so that we can increase consistent condom use.”
Named Trust, the condoms are available in studded and smooth variants. Harrison said the launch of Trust marks a historic moment in supporting Botswana’s efforts to reach its zero new HIV infection goal. He said by launching Trust on the Botswana market, PSI/Botswana will be building on an already strong market in the region as Trust has been among the best selling condom brands for the past 11 years in South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho.
He advised that people should always be reminded that condoms are critical because they form the basic foundation to the prevention of HIV. For this reason, Harrison said it is important that condoms are affordable, accessible and attractive to consumers nationwide: “People like to have choice when they buy which is why we give them that,” he said. Harrison further said that PSI needs to make it worthwhile for retailers to promote condoms prominently, so as of this month, the condoms will be available through private wholesalers and retail outlets throughout the country. He said it is hoped that Trust condoms will in the next few months be sold alongside Lovers Plus, which is another PSI brand and that PSI will use the media to launch the consumer campaign for Trust condoms.
