Offering choice in female condoms: The South African experience

South Africa (SA) has an integrated male and female condom (FC) programme. Since 2014, the programme has introduced two new FC brands. This study evaluated the early introduction of the availability of new FCs. Twenty-three sites participating in the National SA Female Condom Evaluation were included. Providers and clients completed interviewer-administered questionnaires assessing FC brand availability, length of distribution, how clients are informed about new FCs and reactions to the choice of more than one FC. A total of 55 providers and 51 clients were interviewed. Although all 23 sites reported they had distributed new FCs, only one had all three types available. Almost all providers (96%) thought it was important to increase choice, although some (27%) worried that having different FCs may confuse clients. Almost all clients (96%) felt it was important to increase the choice of FCs, and most women (80%) felt that using one type of FC would make it easy to use another type. Providers called for more brand-specific Information, Education and Communication (IEC) training for themselves and the community. Providers and clients seem to be very positive about the choice of FCs. Providers recommended more support in the form of IEC materials and training to assist in the provision of the expansion of FC brands.