Good response to condom vending machines
The response to condom vending machines, an initiative of the Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society (TANSACS), in Coimbatore has been good.According to the Coimbatore Network of Positive People (CNP+), the organisation monitoring the functioning of the machines, about 700 condoms have been sold in a period of one-and-a-half months. “We were doubtful of the project’s success in Coimbatore. But, the response has been more than satisfactory,” says S. Santhana Devi, president of CNP+. Sale from machines installed at Town Hall and VOC Park especially is brisk, she adds. “This indicates that there is a growing awareness among the public regarding the use of condoms,” Ms. Santhana Devi says. Twenty-five machines have been installed in Coimbatore in places such as Gandhipuram Town Bus Stand, Coimbatore Medical College Hospital, PSG Hospitals, Flower Market and Gandhi Park areas.The machines, manufactured by Hindusthan Latex Limited, dispense a condom when a Rs.5 coin is inserted.An attempt to promote the use of condoms and thereby reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS, TANSACS introduced the project five years ago in the State.However, it never really took off owing to technical defects of the machine.Though the target is the high risk group, including commercial sex workers, the concept works well in increasing general awareness about practising safe sex to avoid the risk of HIV/AIDS, Ms. Santhana Devi says.
“There are people who shy away from getting condoms from a medical shop.Through this method, condoms are made more accessible to the public, she adds.However, advertisements are needed to promote the concept of condom vending machines, she observed. “A lot of people do not know what the machines are for and are reluctant to ask for help in using it,” she adds.Public places such as railway stations, bus stands, parks and cinema theatres are identified for installing the machines.The volunteers of CNP+ monitor the machines to take stock of the demand and ensure supply of condoms.
