By LARA PICKFORD-GORDON Wednesday, August 22 2007

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CONDOM vending machines also known as Condom ATMs are to be introduced in TT by Government in the continuing fight against HIV/AIDS.

According to the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) tabled in Parliament on Monday as part of the Budget 2008 documents, Government stated the “procurement of condom vending machines” is one of several initiatives which will be implemented by the National AIDS Coordinating Committee (NACC) in 2008.

In an interview yesterday on the condom vending machines, NACC Technical Director, Dr Amery Browne said Population Services International (PSI) was contracted in June to do condom social marketing research. He said PSI was “working with TT to do a range of condom marketing services. The first part is in-depth research.”

The research he said would focus on the type of machine suitable locally and possible venues and locations for the vending machines.

Browne said PSI will consult hoteliers in the tourism sector, social activists and other key stakeholders. PSI will “look at the local scenario and identify stakeholders and venues willing. Some are quite willing and the private sector is also quite interested in partnering with us.”

Results from the study should be available in the first quarter of next year.

Browne stressed that the NACC was “not just putting machines for condoms.” The initiative was part of “a comprehensive prevention programme that also includes abstinence, faithfulness and increased awareness.”

The announcement gave no idea of costs of the vending machines. The PSIP also stated that in addition to the condom machines, the NACC will also purchase laboratory equipment, antiretroviral drugs and mobile clinics which will visit communities to test persons for HIV.

The PSIP said funding will be provided under the World Bank-assisted HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Project in conjunction with the EU-funded programme of support for implementation of the National Strategic Plan. Government has allocated $80.2M for implementation of national HIV/AIDS programmes for state and non-governmental agencies.

Condom vending machines have been introduced in Guyana, India, Spain, Brazil and China. The machines come in single and multiple columns and work with a battery pack or main transformer. Cost varies. The condom ATMs have been installed in restaurants, hotels, bars, restrooms and universities.

Browne said the procurement process for the mobile clinics has started. This is part of the solution to make testing more accessible to people. Browne said the number of vehicles was still being worked out but for a start, one will be provided for Trinidad and one for Tobago.

Meanwhile, the NACC is also collaborating to assist with building the capacity of the Health Ministry mobile clinics to do HIV testing “should the need arise in a rural areas.”

At the recent Caribbean Union of Teachers’ conference at Cascadia Hotel, St Ann’s, social activist Verna St Rose Greaves, while she did not call for the use of condoms called on the country to face the situation with respect to sex education in schools and the protection of young people in the fight against AIDS. The position was opposed by President of the Trinidad and Tobago Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) Clyde Permell.