Purpose of Consultancy
The purpose of this consultancy is to review existing condom distribution channels and propose additional innovative condom distribution channels.
Botswana is one of the countries across the world that experienced declines in new HIV infections. The adult population 15 years and above had a 32% reduction. However, while new HIV infections have declined generally, infections remain persistently high among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), accounting for a quarter of all new infections. Access to and use of male and female condoms is therefore central to HIV prevention in Botswana. Recent studies have revealed declines in condom use across all ages and sex. Botswana has had a downward trend of condom use from 2008. According to the 2013 BAIS IV, condom use among the general population decreased from 90% in 2008 to 82% in 2013 and from 78% to 65% among 15-24 year olds. The 2018 Behavioural and Biological Surveillance Survey study indicated further declines in condom use among key populations; consistent condom use with clients among female sex workers dropped from 61.7% to 47.9%, while condom use among men who have sex with other men (MSM) dropped from 77.5% to 59.4%. Male and female condoms are currently the only barrier methods that provide triple protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and unwanted pregnancies. Condom programming was determined as a key strategy to reduce HIV transmission through sexual contact in The Third National Strategic Framework for HIV & AIDS (2019 – 2023) strategy. In order to operationalize condom programming, a Comprehensive Condom Programming (CCP) strategy and costed Implementation plan was developed in 2020. The strategy and implementation plan seeks to close the condom accessibility gap in preferred spaces for clients. The BBSS study results revealed that 44% of MSM engaged in unprotected sex due to inadequate access to condoms when needed, while others had negative attitudes towards the use of condoms. Inadequate sustained access to condoms when and where populations need them, particularly populations such as youth, sex workers, MSM, who may not afford commercial brands but prefer to access condoms discreetly outside of the usual clinical settings. In order to respond to challenges with accessibility of condoms, UNFPA and the National AIDS and Health Promotion Agency (NAHPA) are seeking an international consultant to undertake the review of existing condom distribution channels and recommend costeffective, user- centred innovative condom and lubricant distribution channels, including those that do not include client/provider contact.
Scope of work
The consultant will:
1. Review existing condom distribution channels to identify gaps in addressing the needs of priority populations (young people, MSM, sex workers and others)
2. Identify and recommend country-specific innovative, costeffective condom and lubricant distribution channels.
More details are on the attached Terms of Reference
To apply:
Application letter and CV to be sent to mollentze@unfpa.org with email subject clearly stated Individual Consultant - Condom Distribution Channels.
