Mali: A Total Market Approach for Male Condoms

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Abstract

In Mali, the use and availability of male condoms is essential to preventing unplanned pregnancy and the spread of diseases such as HIV. Male condoms are an important part of Mali’s national strategy for HIV prevention, and the dual protection offered by condoms is a key component of reproductive health programs, especially for youth who may not ordinarily seek medical advice or other contraceptive methods before becoming sexually active.

In Mali’s current market for male condoms, the number of condoms needed to protect all sexual acts from HIV infection and unplanned pregnancy (universe of need) is much higher than the actual number of condoms on the market (volume). Demand for condoms remains very low, which helps explain why volumes are also low. In 2006, only 8.9% of males and 1.9% of females reported using a condom the last time they had sex, and individuals in the wealthiest quintile are more likely to use condoms than those in poorer quintiles. While rates of use are higher among youth and individuals with multiple or casual partners than reported in previous years, condom use is still low.