NZAF Gay Men’s Health Coordinator Douglas Jenkin says research has clearly shown that the cost of condoms is a barrier to their uptake by men for safe sex.
“Our experience is that when condoms are free, men are more likely to take them home and use them,” Jenkin says. “The Foundation is grateful that Pharmac has recognised this and agreed to purchase sufficient condoms to allow us to ensure there are adequate numbers of condoms available at a large variety of venues and events where MSM gather.”
Jenkin notes that the specific targeting of men-who-have-sex-with-men is an important part of HIV prevention within New Zealand.
“While in the past few years there have been roughly equal numbers of homosexually and heterosexually acquired HIV diagnoses reported in New Zealand, the vast majority of heterosexual infections, while diagnosed here, have actually occurred overseas. In comparison, more than three quarters of HIV infections that occur within New Zealand are among MSM.
