Patna, Dec. 16: Chahe hum, Chahe Tum, Surakasha rahe har dam (Either you or me, protection is must) — with this theme, female condoms were introduced in Bihar last year, primarily for the safety of female sex workers in Muzaffarpur and Araria districts.

Buoyed by the response received in these districts, Bihar AIDS Control Society is now asking its supporting partners to introduce female condoms in 14 more districts within the next few months.

“The rise in the number of cases of HIV among women in the state (over 35 per cent of the total 1.2 lakh suspected HIV positive people in Bihar are women), made National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) introduce its female condom programme. This aims to create an awareness and curtail the rising HIV cases among women,” said Dr Devendra Prasad, additional project director of the society.

According to district-wise urban mapping carried out by the society in Bihar last year, there are at least 15,925 women sex workers in urban areas with their largest concentration in Muzaffapur (around 2,000). These women are considered to be highly susceptible to get infected with HIV.

Population Services International, a non-profit organisation working in the field of HIV/AIDS, introduced the female condom among women in sex workers in Bihar and three other states.

“The female condom is a polyurethane sheath about 6.5 inches long. It lines the vagina entirely and helps prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Each end of the condom has a flexible ring. At the closed end of the sheath, the flexible ring is inserted into the vagina to hold the female condom in place,” Amajit Mukherjee, deputy regional Director PSI, said.

He pointed out that the acceptability of the female condom among for sexworkers who find it difficult to negotiate condom use with clients and partners.

According to a survey by Population Services International in June, over 5,000 female condoms were sold in two districts in first four months of the year and at least 94 per cent of the sex workers showed a willingness to buy the product.

Experts say, female condoms have their advantages. Polyurethane is a better conductor of heat than latex, of which the male condom is made. It is well lubricated on the outside and the inside so it does not cause any abrasion. Mukherjee said though the unwieldy size and shape of female condom, fear of initial discomfort and anxiety about partner response are a hindrance in its promotion, but the involvement of peers and local NGOS has helped them get over the obstacles.

“We are making condoms available at Rs 3.50 per piece through social marketing, whereas its market price is Rs 30. It takes demonstrations and interactions with peers to learn the right usage. We are happy with the way initiative has worked,” Mukherjee added.