1999

The Female Condom in Zimbabwe:
The Interplay of Research, Advocacy, and Government Action

Conclusions

The decision by the government to make the female condom available in Zimbabwe illustrates the critical importance of research, education, and advocacy. It also highlights the role that women’s organizations can play in educating and influencing policymakers who make decisions about the introduction of new technologies and resource allocation.

Despite the successful introduction of the female condom, a number of questions have emerged that have implications for its potential contribution to HIV/STI prevention in Zimbabwe. These concern how the product is introduced, with whom and how often it is used, and whether it is being substituted for male condoms or being used by women who could not negotiate male condom use. Current research being supported by Horizons and other research projects will provide important information on use patterns, negotiation, continuation, and method substitution. These data will be critical for future decisions about targeting, complementary educational activities to maximize use, and the allocation of resources for further educational and promotional activities.

References

Bassett, Mary T. and Marvellous Mhloyi. 1991. "Women and AIDS in Zimbabwe: the making of an epidemic," International Journal of Health Services 21(1): 143–156.

NACP. 1998. HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe—Background Projections Impact Interventions. Harare: Ministry of Health and Child Welfare of Zimbabwe.

Ray, Sunanda et al. 1995. "Acceptability of the female condom in Zimbabwe: positive but male-centered responses," Reproductive Health Matters 5: 68–79.

Win, Everjoice J. 1998. A Case Study of the Zimbabwe Inheritance Rights Campaign: 1989–1996. Global Women and Politics Program. Washington, DC: The Asia Foundation.

UNAIDS/WHO. 1998. Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic, June 1998..

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19 Oct 2007