International Condom Standard

Legal quality control of condoms should be enforced, and compliance with the International Condom Standard should be monitored in practice. Restrictions on the availability of preventive measures, such as condoms, bleach, clean needles and syringes, should be repealed. Widespread provision of these preventive measures through various means, including vending machines in appropriate locations, should be considered, in light of the greater effectiveness provided by the increased accessibility and anonymity afforded by this method of distribution. Condom promotion initiatives should be coupled with HIV information campaigns for optimal impact.Laws and/or regulations should be enacted to enable widespread provision of information about HIV through the mass media. This information should be aimed at the general public, as well as at various vulnerable groups that may have difficulty in accessing information. HIV information should be effective for its designated audience and not be inappropriately subject to censorship or other broadcasting standards, particularly as this will have the effect of damaging access to information vital to life, health and human dignity.In order to improve prevention and therapeutic options related to HIV, States should increase funds allocated to the public sector for researching, developing and promoting therapies and technologies for the prevention, treatment, care and support of HIV and AIDS and related infections and conditions. Theprivate sector should also be encouraged to undertake such research and development and to make the resulting options widely and promptly available at prices affordable to those who need them.States should integrate HIV prevention, treatment, care and support into all aspects of their planning for development, including in poverty eradication strategies, national budget allocations and sectoral development plans. In so doing, States should have particular regard, at a minimum, for internationally agreed targets in addressing HIV.