bangkok, Thailand will distribute 95 million free condoms ahead of Valentine’s Day to promote safe sex and prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) as well as teen pregnancy. According to a report by First Post, this initiative has been started by the government from February 1, 2023. Thai government spokeswoman Rachada Dhanadirek said the condoms would be available in four sizes and could be collected from pharmacies and primary care units of hospitals across the country. Universal healthcare card holders will be eligible to receive 10 condoms per week for one year.

The country’s health department said that the decision to give free condoms has been taken to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, cervical cancer, HIV, AIDS. Jadeja Thammatachari, secretary general of Thailand’s National Health Protection Office (NHSO), said free condoms along with the lubricating gel would be distributed. Those who want to get free condoms have to register on the smartphone application – PaoTang. They have to choose a designated drugstore, community clinic or state-run health offices from where they can get condoms.

Those who do not have access to a smartphone can register for free condoms at designated service outlets by showing a Thai national ID card. “The drive to provide free condoms to gold-card holders will help prevent diseases and promote public health,” Rachada said. The Gold Card or 30-Baht Plan is a universal coverage plan that is the largest of the three health care programs providing medical facilities to the people of Thailand.

According to reports, Thailand has seen a rise in sexually transmitted diseases in recent years, with syphilis and gonorrhea accounting for more than half of 2021 cases. The most affected people are people between 15 to 19 years and 20 to 24 years. In such a situation, the government has made up its mind to stop these diseases from spreading more on the occasion of Valentine’s Day. At present, in many countries, the government distributes condoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

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Tags: Aids, condom, pregnancy, thailand