Assessment of Condom Programming in Lao PDR (2008)

Condoms remain one of the cornerstones in HIV//STI and unwanted pregnancy prevention programs worldwide. However, despite the presence of this prevention technology in the country for years, condom use remains low even for HIV vulnerable groups (49% of sex workers and 39% for MSMs). Sex workers and MSMs don‘t use condoms with their regular partners too, putting these men on increased risk for HIV and STIs. To date, STI among sex workers remains high. Condom use for contraceptive purposes also remains unpopular (4.3% among currently married women) and largely unutilized for dual protection purposes among young people