Fight Against AIDS, STIs: French Govt Agrees to Subsidise Price of Condoms

The French government on Tuesday announced that they would be taking the rare step of reimbursing prescription-bought condoms to combat the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. This statement was made public ahead of World AIDS Day on Saturday.

Eden condoms, Produced by Majorelle laboratories and sold only in pharmacies, cost a fraction of leading brands such as Durex or Manix at 2.60 euros ($2.95) for a box of 12. This made them the first to be approved for reimbursement by France's national health authority.

In a statement, the company hailed the announcement as “sending a strong signal that it (a condom) is not a sex toy but a real and indispensable prevention tool” in the fight against sexually transmitted infections.

In July, a health department study showed cases of chlamydia and gonococcus — two common STIs — tripling in France between 2012 and 2016, with 15-24 year-olds particularly affected.