Female Condom Campaign

Entertainment strategies were among those developed to educate sex workers about the female condom, and to create a venue for distribution of the device through social marketing techniques. Specifically, theatrical pieces were performed on the streets and in selected sex establishments. After the performances, actors provided the audience with female and male condoms and information on the female condom, which included a list of nearby sales outlets. DKT also used the mass media as a tool for providing information by publishing stories in popular magazines and newspapers.

Interpersonal exchanges were designed to help sex workers learn how to use the female condom and to give them some background information on the importance of doing so. Every 2 weeks, the project team conducted educational activities with small groups of sex workers from each of the 4 study sites. Sessions included informal discussions on STI/HIV prevention and reproductive health. A pelvic model was used to demonstrate how to insert the female condom, and participants were given the opportunity to practice with the model, ask questions, and discuss relevant issues.

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) were tools for increasing access to the product, and for offsetting potential problems with its use. A cell phone number was set up as a "help line" to enable sex workers to talk with a health promoter about usage problems and health concerns, or to find out where to obtain female condoms.

Health, HIV/AIDS, Women.

The female condom was registered in Brazil in January of 1997; since then it has been available commercially through DKT. The price for a box of two female condoms established by DKT was approximately R$5.00 to R$7.00, equivalent to US$2.55 to US$3.57 (US$1.28 to US$1.79 each). According to Horizons/Population Council, at the time of the campaign, this was more than 6 times the price of a male condom. In addition to socially marketed female condoms, the Brazilian Ministry of Health has also given female condoms to public health clinics and community organisations to distribute free as part of activities specifically designed to reach vulnerable groups of women.