Missing in Mexico: 5,000 condoms
07 October 2008
The Condomóvil – a converted truck that takes condoms and HIV prevention messages directly to the community in Mexico – was stolen on 1st October. Although the vehicle has since been recovered, 5,000 condoms are still missing, along with sound equipment and a motor used to inflate a giant condom.
Residents reported the vehicle’s whereabouts to the police after the theft received widespread media coverage. The Condomóvil was easy to spot, with its painted exterior featuring a banana that looked like a condom and a man saying, “I protect myself. Do you?”
Juan Jacobo Hernández-Chávez , General Coordinator of Colectivo Sol, México, explained the impact of the theft on the programme: "Since its creation, the Condomóvil has been functioning with scarce resources obtained through social marketing of condoms and lubricants, and two small grants from government (1999 and 2003). Polo Gómez, the Condomóvil’s creator and coordinator will now have to meet with the National HIV/AIDS programme to obtain further support to replace stolen equipment and reduce the impact of the theft."
Colectivo Sol, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance’s linking organisation in Mexico, introduced in 1998 the Condomóvil as a way of taking condoms, lubricants and HIV prevention messages directly to communities. It forms part of a wider project that aims to increase the acceptance and correct use of condoms and lubricants and reduce HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies among young people.
Recently a new vehicle – La Condomóvila – targeting women started visiting schools, neighbourhoods, streets and public squares in marginalized communities in the Metropolitan area. As well as distributing condoms, both teams carry out short workshops on safer sex, one-to-one counselling sessions, street theatre and educational games – all against a backdrop of a giant inflatable condom.
In the last ten years, the Condomóviles have travelled more than 100,000 kilometres across Mexico – the equivalent of two and a half journeys around the world. Over one million condoms have been distributed free of charge, and over 100,000 sold at low cost.
