Patronage of condom vending machines on the increase

The Ghana Aids Commission is impressed over what the commission says is the massive patronage of its Condom Vending Machines among the populace since their introduction a little over a year ago.

The Aids Commission and its funding partners, the Global Fund, principally introduced the machines as part of efforts to reduce the prevalence of HIV, and also to prevent new infections.

The unmanned machines installed at vantage points across the country self-dispense condoms to patrons without the involvement of a second party as seen in Pharmacies or chemical shops.

The Commission is hoping that the absence of human involvement will help do away with the stigma associated with the purchase of condoms, which has been identified as one of the reasons people shy away from patronizing condoms.

Project Manager at the Ghana Aids Commission, Michael Gold revealed to the press that there has been a high patronage of condoms nationwide following the introduction of the machines.

He said the commission had so far received 400 machines from the Global Fund and was optimistic that considering the successes chalked so far, the commission would be considering bringing in more of the machines.

He indicated that the commission has trained people to replenish the machines with new stock anytime they run out.

Mr. Gold admitted the male condoms were well patronized than the female condoms.

He assured however that the commission was thinking up ways to boost patronage of female condoms among women.