Condom social marketing program to prevent HIV/AIDS in postconflict Liberia

AO Harris, S Jubwe, SB Kennedy, CH Taylor, RB Martin, EM Bee, OS Perry, MT Massaquoi, DV Woods, EM Barbu

Abstract

Background: Youths in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) account for a large burden of the global HIV/STI crises. As such, strategies directed at promoting behavioral modifications would be critical to reducing the prevalence of risky sexual behaviors among high risk adolescents in post-conflict environments.

Objectives: This study describes a condom promotion strategy to prevent HIV/STIs among highly vulnerable urban youth in a post-conflict, resource-constrained environment via the provision of both male and female condoms to nontraditional venues like music and photo shops, ice cream parlors, money exchange centers and beauty salons.

Methods: Community members in the designated catchment areas volunteered their services and the use of their small businesses to support this endeavor.

Results: In this paper, we describe the condom promotion strategy and its implications within the context of a communitybased participatory social marketing program to prevent risky sexual behaviors among highly vulnerable urban youth in a post-conflict country. Conclusion: We postulate that this approach may likely increase condom use among urban youth in Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia.

Keywords: Condom Social Marketing, Post-Conflict Liberia, HIV/STI Prevention