Workshop on proper use of female condoms held

The Society for Women and Aids in Africa (SWAA) Ghana, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC), has organised a two-day workshop on the proper use of female condoms in Accra.In all 50 participants, selected from the Greater Accra, the Ashanti, Central and the Brong Ahafo regions, attended the workshop.

Essence of workshop

The facilitator, Ms Nonhlamla Maya Gokul from South Africa, said the increased use of the female condom would contribute to the reduction in unwanted pregnancies, complications such as infertility and unsafe abortion and also curb the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

This awareness creation, she said, would also go a long way to help save the lives of both men and women, urging all sexually active people to be solely responsible for their lives. 

Female condom 

The Vice-President of SWAA-Ghana, Mrs Elsie Ayeh,  noted that although the female condom was currently available in Ghana, its patronage was very low, hence the need for the campaign to educate the public, especially women, to accept and use the product.

She said the new FC2 had come to replace the female condom introduced 10 years ago which received various criticisms because most women were not comfortable with its use.

“The new FC2 is very smooth, very lubricated, made of synthetic material, oily based, very thin and strong. Aside its safety, the natural pleasure is always assured,” she stated.

She cautioned Ghanaians to change their perception of condom use, saying “condom use is not for sex workers or promiscuous people but rather for people who value their lives”.

Fight against STIs

Pastor Emmanuel Kwaku Diabour, a participant, urged religious and traditional leaders, whom many look up to in society, to join the campaign in the fight against HIV/AIDS.