Washington, DC – August 3, 2006 – A new global campaign has been launched to push for universal access to female condoms as part of an accelerated and comprehensive response to prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and to reduce unintended pregnancies worldwide. Known as Prevention Now!, the campaign is being led by the Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE), and joined by more than 140 organizations, including NGOs, research organizations, and multilateral institutions concerned with human rights, sexual and reproductive health and HIV/AIDS. (see list of supporters)

“Research shows that female condoms have high rates of acceptability, lead to an increase in the use of both male and female condoms, are effective in preventing HIV infection and unintended pregnancy, and are used for both vaginal and anal intercourse,” stated Jodi Jacobson, Executive Director of CHANGE, the organization leading the campaign. The primary obstacle to increased access to female condoms is the failure of governments and international donors to buy, distribute, and train people in the use of female condoms. “There are 5 million new HIV infections worldwide each year and approximately 80 million unintended pregnancies,” noted Jacobson. “But in 2005 the international community provided only 1 female condom for every 100 women ages 15 to 49 in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This has to change…if we are interested in saving as many lives as possible, we need prevention now!”