Worldwide,
215 million women have an unmet need for contraception. At the same time more
and more women are being infected with HIV/Aids. In Sub-Saharan Africa more
young women than men are HIV-positive, as 8 to 1.
The
female condom (FC) is the only available female initiated method that provides
protection against STI’s, including HIV, and protects against mistimed or unwanted
pregnancies. The female condom puts women in charge and is therefore women
empowering. The demand for female condoms is substantial and rapidly
increasing.
As a wife, mother,
schoolteacher and health worker, Mercy Ngala Mokake in Cameroon feels the
female condom is a precious tool for all. “I think this campaign should spread
across the country. It will help many women as a contraceptive and prevent the
spread of HIV/Aids. The message and not the virus should spread far and wide,
even to schools, from primary to university level”.