The private sector and condom distribution: we can do more. Opinion.

PIP: The correct and consistent use of latex condoms is known to reduce HIV transmission. The social marketing of condoms through the private sector for AIDS prevention has been very successful in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Examples are given from Zaire and Cote d'Ivoire. One significant advantage of social marketing projects is that they can be sustained even in the context of severe and prolonged political instability. Population Services International together with DOBACO, a Haitian pharmaceutical distributor, launched Pante brand condoms in Haiti in November 1990 as part of a new condom social marketing AIDS prevention effort. Condom sales increased from 30,000 per month in 1992 to a high of 600,000 in January 1994. More than 8 million condoms have been sold. This highly successful program is now undertaking a new Women's Protection Initiative to promote condom use among women. Lessons learned from such contraceptive social marketing experiences are now being applied in the US.^ieng

Program planning and costing: a blueprint for success.

Intense competition and rapid technological changes have pressured the home care industry to respond to the need for new program and service line development. There is no secret to assured success. However, systematic planning to include identification of the program's purpose and objectives, market assessment, analysis of the program alternatives, resource needs and availability, and the impact of the program on the home care agency's market niche and financial state are all essential to facilitate successful implementation.