In the absence of proper cure or prevention by vaccination, the only effective physical barrier against transmission of HIV is the use of condoms. Condoms have been advocated earlier as a safe method of population control under the Family Welfare Programme. Use of condoms now assumes special significance in the AIDS-related scenario as it is the only effective method of prevention of HIV/AIDS through the sexual route apart from total abstinence. Government feels that there should be no moral, ethical or religious inhibition towards propagating the use of condoms amongst sexually active people specially those who practise high risk behaviour.

The Government has adopted a conscious policy of use of condoms through the social marketing and community-based distribution system. It has been observed that the social marketing strategy has helped in increasing use of condoms in the country at large. There is greater need to ensure availability of condoms at places and times where they are

needed. Hospitals, STD clinics, counseling centres, nursing homes and even private clinics of medical practitioners should have adequate supply of condoms for use of the patients. General availability of condoms in the community drug stores, important road and railway junctions, public places, luxury hotels, etc. should also be ensured for use among sexually active people. This will help in achieving the twin purposes of control and prevention of HIV and as a useful tool for promoting the small family norm. Government would promote development of culturally acceptable information packages about the efficacy of condoms to achieve both these objectives.