[afro-nets] 'Condoms and STD prevention: The winner is...' (3)

[T. O'Connell <oconnellt@who.int>]

'Condoms and STD prevention: The winner is...' (3)
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Dear All,

In response to the initial posting on this subject: the article
described a different finding.

1) The article stated that:
<< "The non-profit Consumers Union says in a new guide to con-
traception that the seven top U.S. types of condom they studied
DID NOT BURST despite vigorous testing, and ALL MODELS MET in-
ternational standards." >>

This INCLUDES the model made by Planned Parenthood.

Moreover, it is not at all possible to extrapolate the results
of testing on condoms distributed by Planned Parenthood/USA to
condoms in use in Africa, just as it is not possible to extrapo-
late results of studies on vaccines used in the US to those used
in Africa: different manufacturers, production processes, mate-
rials, etc.

2) It is important to note that the bursting point used in the
test was to inflate a condom until "you end up with a balloon 3
feet tall and a foot wide." !!!

3) Of possibly relevance, Consumer's Union noted:
<< "Condoms have improved since the mid-nineties because indus-
try manufacturing standards have become more universally used
and more effective," added Edward Kippel, who led the condom
test project. >>

If anything, this suggests mainstream condoms might be effective
in normal use.

4) Consumers Reports went on to remind the public:
<< "Condoms remain the ONLY family planning and pregnancy pre-
vention method that can help prevent sexually transmitted dis-
eases, including HIV, which causes AIDS,"....>>

Best wishes for the New Year,
T. O'Connell
mailto:oconnellt@who.int

"Every 30 seconds a child in Africa dies from malaria. 90% of
the estimated 1 million malaria deaths worldwide occur in Af-
rica, killing mostly young children."