Terrence Higgins Trust and its partners in HIV Prevention England (HPE) have launched a new online tool that hopes to aid in helping Africans in England find condoms that work for them. The new ‘Fits Me’ tool is designed to help Africans select and buy condoms to suit their needs and thereby boost acceptance of condoms among the African community.
Africans will be able to access this new ‘Fits Me’ service from 2nd July from www.startswithme.org.uk. The swift and confidential service will take users through a few simple questions about size, sensitivity and latex allergy, before suggesting condoms to suit them. This service will also include information, which is extremely useful for females also. Once they have found their perfect fit, users will be directed to online stockists They Fit (www.theyfit.co.uk) and Freedoms Shop (www.freedoms-shop.nhs.uk) where they will receive a discount.
Africans are one of the groups who are most at risk to the disease HIV in the UK, accounting for 57 per cent of heterosexual diagnoses in 2011. Condoms still remain the best line of defense for Africans in terms of protecting themselves and their partners from the perilous consequences of HIV. However, one in three African men report that they have experienced a condom break or split within the last year. Finding a condom in the right size and material can help address these problems and protect against HIV.
Taku Mukiwa, Health Promotion Specialist for African communities at Terrence Higgins Trust said: “Africans are one of the groups most at risk from HIV in the UK and condoms remain the best protection against the virus. The key to having the best experience when using condoms is to realise that there is no one size fits all solution – and that’s where this new online tool comes in.
“We have the power to stop the spread of HIV and protect future generations from the virus, but that involves taking responsibility and talking to your partner to find a solution that’s right for you. Using a condom doesn’t just keep you safe from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, it also shows that you care for and respect yourself and your partner. “
HIV Prevention England is a partnership of community organisations headed by Terrence Higgins Trust and funded by the Department of Health to carry out national HIV prevention work in England among communities at an increased risk of infection.
