| Despite relatively wide condom distribution mechanisms, the accessibility and acceptance of condoms remains limited in most Caribbean countries for those populations that are most at risk of infection or unintended pregnancy.This notion has been highlighted in the Regional Model Condom Policy which was created as part of the efforts of the Pan Caribbean partnership against HIV/AIDS. The Executive Summary of the Policy Document emphasizes the point that access to condoms is difficult for sex workers and men who have sex with men due to societal stigma and discrimination.In addition,Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping, it has been pointed out that collective disapproval, adverse legislation and service norms are among the main causes hampering condom access for sexually active adolescents.This is further compounded, the document notes, by the fact that gender relationships, sexual culture and sex education in the Caribbean do not sufficiently support preventive behaviour based on a realistic personal risk assessment.According to the document, low condom use has been identified as one of the major factors impeding the control and prevention of HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean. However, it has been noted that correct and consistent use of male and female condoms is unanimously recognised as a vital tool within comprehensive HIV prevention programmes.“This is particularly true for the Caribbean where the majority of HIV transmissions are among heterosexuals. Without most at risk sexually active people using condoms, increasing HIV prevalence rates may overwhelm other efforts such as antiretroviral treatment.”PANCAP has however noted with much concern that there are yet some Caribbean countries that continue to maintain laws and policies that undermine universal access, use and education about condoms.In view of such weaknesses and given the strategic importance of condoms in reducing the challenges, which the AIDS epidemic poses for Caribbean countries,Jerseys From China Online, CARICOM-PANCAP has initiated the development of the Model Condom Policy for the region with a grant from the International Development Association.The overarching model policy is geared at assuring that condoms are given the attention they deserve as a cost-efficient and effective means to secure sexual and reproductive health for all.As such,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, the vision of the Model Condom Policy was designed to protect the rights of all sexually active people in the Caribbean by creating an environment which enables them to acquire condom related information and skills.It is also directed at ensuring that such persons have access and are able to use condoms as an option to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV and undesired pregnancies.The policy document displays the Caribbean background and context for the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and highlights that “worldwide the Caribbean region reports the second highest HIV prevalence rates.The average of one percent HIV prevalence among adults is surpassed by a number of countries with up to no more than three percent but much higher prevalence rates are observed among special high-risk groups.”The overall goals of the Model Policy are expected to contribute to the achievement of universal access to STI/HIV prevention, treatment,Justin Upton Tigers Jersey, care and support services by ensuring availability of and access to quality condoms; create an enabling legislative environment to increase availability and access to condoms for all people in need and to strengthen knowledge and skills concerning options for safer sex.Elements and strategic issues of the model condom policy have been developed with the aim of ensuring that male and female condoms are of good quality, readily and consistently available, universally accessible to all in need and accepted by the sexually active population.It is also expected that condom use should be taken into consideration by national policy makers and stakeholders when reviewing existing legislation and regulation with regard to condoms.The key element of the policy is strategic comprehensive condom management that involves all sectors procuring,Jerseys NFL Wholesale, promoting and distributing condoms.“More governmental sectors should make their coordination and cooperation more efficient. It is imperative to continue to increase the order to assure a wide range of coverage and targeted interventions…the participation of the civil society, faith-based organizations and advocacy groups is vital,” it was underscored.The policy document gives strategic information on products and quality assurance, condom procurement, import duty and taxation, condom accessibility and distribution. With regards to behaviour change communication, special emphasis is placed on the need to facilitate an open dialogue about fundamental issues that influence individual and societal attitudes and behaviour,NFL Jerseys Outlet, the document stresses.Advocacy for universal access to condoms as well as target group specific interventions are required in order to encourage and maintain preventive behaviour. “It is crucial to monitor the implementation of the condom policy and to evaluate behaviour change in condom use among the general population and among specific high risk populations,” it was noted. |
