Number of condoms distributed per 10,000 population

Number of condoms distributed per 10,000 population

Number of condoms distributed per 10,000 population

The volume of condoms distributed during a certain time frame in relation to the population of the camp.

This indicator is calculated as:

(# of condoms distributed in a reference period/ Total population of the camp) x 100

Data Requirement(s):

Total number of condoms distributed in the refugee camp within a specified period of time (i.e., one month), the total population in the refugee camp

Condom distribution lists

According to the Inter-agency Field Manual on Reproductive Health in Humanitarian Settings, the characteristics that define a complex emergency, such as conflict, social instability, poverty, environmental destruction and powerlessness, can increase affected populations’ vulnerability and risk to HIV by:

  • reducing access to HIV prevention services; breaking down health infrastructure;
  • disrupting social support networks; increasing exposure to sexual violence (rape) and sexual abuse (demanding sex in return for food or shelter); and
  • population movement to an area of higher HIV prevalence (2010).

Therefore, free access to condoms must be guaranteed at the onset of an emergency as part of the minimum initial service package.  Sufficient supplies should be ordered to cover potential need.

As well as providing condoms on request, field staff should make sure that refugees are aware that condoms are available and where they can be obtained. Condoms should be made available in health facilities, especially when treating cases of sexually transmitted infections. Other distribution points should be established so that those requesting condoms can obtain them in privacy.

One limitation of this indicator is that distribution does not necessarily equate to use, especially where the product is given away free of charge. A second caveat is that in refugee populations with a high proportion of children, the number of condoms per 1,000 would decrease, making comparisons across refugee settings invalid. Nonetheless, as a crude measure of protection against unwanted pregnancy and disease prevention, this indicator is potentially useful, especially since data are readily available.

access, sexually transmitted infection (STI), HIV/AIDS, emergency

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Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS

Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services