DC Drops Imported Chinese Condoms Following Concerns About Their Effectiveness
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff

Posted: September 30,  2007 - 4:00 pm ET 

(Washington) The District of Columbia has stopped distributing free condoms imported from China following widespread concerns about their effectiveness. Instead, the Health Department will give name brand condoms to HIV/AIDS groups to hand out.

The decision came after 70,000 of the Chinese produced condoms were returned by community groups last week  Another 100,000 condoms were returned earlier in the month. (story)

People complained that the cellophane yellow, purple and yellow wrappers were either open when they were distributed or came open when people put them in their pocket or wallet.

There also were concerns that the expiration on the packages was illegible.

The health department said in a statement it believes the condoms are safe and effective. But with people unwilling to use them the districts program to combat HIV/AIDS was in jeopardy.

The giveaway is part of a District health department effort to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS - said to be among the worst of major cities in the country.

The District has given out nearly 650,000 condoms since February.

Concerns about the condoms follows highly publicized recalls of tainted pet food, children's toys with dangerous lead paint, and unsafe tires all made in China.

One group that returned the Chinese made condoms from the health department condoms, Metro TeenAIDS, diverted funding from other programs to buy its own.

A spokesperson for Mayor Adrian Fenty said the district has received 125,000 of the new condoms and 400,000 more are expected in the next two weeks.

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