I'm sure this is a very odd question.

I know lots of people take "stuff" to Africa to give to villagers, schools, orphanages, etc.

Along those lines, as we all know, HIV/AIDS is a HUGE problem in the beloved Africa. Are there clinics or other healthcare-type facilities that distribute, and would be in need of condoms? Is this a culturally accepted practice as it is here in the U.S, where guys/men (typically) can go and get condoms to protect both themselves and their partners? If the clinics are there, do people make use of such a "program"?

Obviously they don't last forever (neither does a pen or pencil) but one might save one life and prevent one or more children from being orphaned and that might be someone's forever.

This question may be way out of scope for even the most expert of the experts here, but just thought I'd throw it out there. I wouldn't think it appropriate to just hand them out randomly, so if such a "pulic aid" program doesn't exist, so be it, and I'll stick with the "norm" of school supplies, etc.

Just trying to think outside of the box here.

Shane

That's a very interesting idea. Condom distribution is common in many parts of Africa and there might be local non-profits in the country or countries where you're going that would welcome donated condoms. I would do a google search for "HIV/AIDS resources Kenya" or wherever you're going and see if you can find some local organizations to contact. They might even be able to suggest other health-related items to donate.

You may not believe this, but I was just thinking the EXACT same thing over the weekend! I'm going to Tanz/Ug in December and since we have very limited weight limits for the flight between the two countries, I thought we could fill suitcases (to the max that we're allowed to take on an international flight) and give the contents away before our flight from Ug to Tanz.

Long story short, I remember hearing about how so much funding has been cut in recent years (I'll leave my politics out of this as much as I can) for any sex education beyond abstinance. I was thinking that I may be able to work with my local Planned Parenthood or County Health Department to buy the condoms in bulk for a much better price that I could off the shelf at a drug store. Imagine what 50 lbs (x2!) of condoms could do for the lives of so many in Africa.

Great minds think alike! I'd love anyone else's thoughts on the matter.

Happy travels!

shane, I think that's a great idea! and very delicate, as Africa tends to be very conservative in many ways. Botswana has the highest rate of HIV/AIDS infection in the world, so I think condoms would be pretty a propos. Maybe a church would be receptive, or a public health department. I would think you would have to work within established channels to be better accepted.

Awesome idea, Cat lover. I was thinking about emailing a couple condom companies to see about a corporate donation on a small scale. Who knows, they may already do that and tell me to take a flying leap. My second option would have been to just go buy some, but I love your idea. As we know (politics aside) abstinence clearly isn't the answer. Nuff sed

If one did have to purchase, though, that's a great idea to work with an agency or organization that might be able to get a better price on them.

I hear there's LOTS of pencils in Africa. Imagine how much more fun school would be if your parents were still alive to show your homework or pencil drawing to.

BTW, I'm going to Kenya/Tanzania in January 08.

Shane

We were posting at the same time, Momliz. I completely agree. I wouldn't dream of just randomly handing them out to villagers along side the road. Not at all.

The only way I would pursue it would be to find a local agency or organization that already does condom distro and has a need for more. The good news would be that they need more. That means people are coming in and taking them (and hopefully using them - not for water balloons.)

Sad, but true about Botswana - and other countries are also very hard hit. It is estimated that the prostitute population in Kenya (at least in cities like Nairobi and Mombasa) is 80% or more HIV-positive.

Heart wrenching, to say the least.

Shane

Cat_Lover, I found a website

http://www.avert.org/aidsuganda.htm

That might be a place to start. Found a different one in Kenya that I have already sent an email off to. We'll see what happens, but it's a place to start.

On both the Kenya and Uganda websites, it is stated that there is apparently an issue with both correct and consistent use of condoms. Apparently they don't have the funds for the education side of things to teach people how to put them on, etc. Very unfortunate.

In any event, even if only 10% are used correctly, that's a life saved, potentially. Still worth it in my book.

Shane

I think that's a great idea if you can find someone to distribute them, but that shouldn't be a problem. there were free condoms in just about every bathroom I went into on my last trip. Hwange airport, the airport at Katima Mulilo in Namibia and at the Botswana border checkpoint where they had a very amusing, but honest AIDS prevention mural about masturbation "do ityourself"... here's a pic of the mural:
http://tinyurl.com/2hjbvz

I think education is key here - both as to the correct way to use them and that they are necessary. I don't know how much was hyperbole, but the stories a few years back about the misinformation in South Africa were pretty scary.

So, maybe a check to an organization that is on the ground and doing a good job in spreading the word might be helpful also.

Hello,

I think this is a great idea if, as others have said, you can find a local organisation to work with. In Southern Africa both Wilderness Safaris and CCAfrica run educational programmes which include an AIDS education component.

I've seen a lot of things on my travels, but Dennis's mural is definitely a first!

Cheers,
Julian

Hi All

I highly recommend working through established NGOs and donor organisations. "Freelancing" philanthropists can actually cause more harm than good through unintended consequences and not understanding the local dynamics, power relationships, cultural practices, etc. The impulse to charity is good, but not an unqualified good (what is these days?)...

A couple of suggestions:

Option 1: Contact the embassy or consulate of the country you're going to visit (i.e., their embassy in your home country), or contact your country's embassy in the African country to which you're travelling and ask them what relationships they have that would suit your interests and level of donation.

Option 2: Work through organisations that vet worthy projects in the local country. Two examples of this are Kiva.org and GlobalGiving.com (different approaches). There was a recent Nick Kristoff article in the NY Times on this. More detail on this option at http://afrikatourism.blogspot.com/20...ravellers.html

Option 3: Buy a few BoGo lights (solar-powered torch/flashlight), use them, and leave them behind when you go. You can buy them online: http://bogolight.com/bogoNow.php

I also have to say that the availability of condoms in much of Africa isn't the issue -- it's their use, and the reasons for them often not being used are complex and vary widely from place to place. In addition, were you to go around handing out condoms, you might find yourself embroiled in a very uncomfortable cultural confrontation.

A bit of preparation and some sensitivity can help ensure your donations make the constructive difference you intend!

HTH

Kurt

--
afrikatourism.blogspot.com

I agree with Kurt on all but the part about the choice of the BoGo flashights. As I indicated in the thread about them

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35002087

I don't think they are as cost-effective or practical as alternatives.

I just checked and found that condoms are an allowed expense for my employers flex-spending program.
I usually have some money left at the end of the year and I can't think of anything better way to spend that money!

I'd pay good money to be there when airport security does a search of one of these suitcases packed with condoms.

tuckeg- We've already had some good laughs anticipating that moment. We're also planning to take some supplies to a children's orphanage, so it gets even funnier when you factor in that there will be baby wipes, diapers, baby powder and CONDOMS! What a combination!

I've e-mailed avert.org (the website that Shane sent above) and will report back what they advise. The weblink provided very interesting insight into the AIDS prevention situation that currently exists in Uganda. The mandated shift from teaching about condoms and safe sex to abstinence-only programs in order to receive funding from the USA sickens me, making any uncomfortable moment in airport security worth every second!

Stay tuned...

Exactly, Cat_lover. It is a sickening situation re: the education, etc. Unbelievable that the powers that be are so completely stupid. I will stop there before I get myself in trouble.

I did hear back from the organization that I contacted. The lady referred me to a couple of "local" agencies that they work with. She was very appreciative of my email and gave some good info. She did say, also, that the acquisition of condoms is increasingly more difficult, but I didn't gather it was due to any "forcing" of close-minded policy.

I hope you are able to gather the information you need to fulfill your wishes to help out in this manner.

Good luck

Shane

Meant to say "...increasingly more difficult in Kenya"

Sorry for the vagueness above.

Shane

Shane-
I have not heard back from the organization (avert) that I e-mailed a few days ago.
We land in Entebbe Uganda, which is where I would want to donate the condoms. Any advice from your contact about where one might do that? Also, we have another member of our group that is joining us for the Tanz part of our trip just after Christmas, so she could bring another batch for a facility in Tanz.
Thanks for any info or contacts that you can provide.

Here's another take;
Our Tanzanian guide (now friend) has told us that some locals will not take free items b/c they feel if it's free it must not be of value or any good.

One of the many instances that he has spoke of, is that some well meaning foriegn organization donoted mossie nets and got no takers.
Another organization (African) set up a kiosk and charged a sm. fee and got many takers.

I am told that some Africans would rather deal with locals regarding the use of condoms etc. and that it's a touchy subject for many reasons including the fact that many Tanzanians are Catholic, don't believe in the way it's spread (as said, education is key), husbands/boyfriends not wanting to ruin 'the experience' etc. etc.

Although I haven't got involved in the condom situation and certainly aren't an expert, my humble suggestion is to find the right organization and donate $$$.
I sent a few contributions to other causes and know that sending $$ is the best way to go in my case - no guessing and lovely thank you's.

You've got a good heart, Shane.
Please let us know how you made out.

Hello Shane,
You did not mention where in Africa you will be visiting, if it is South Africa, which is my country, I can assist you with suggestions?
Condoms however are issued free by the state, There are many many other needs ie. for aids orphans. Any goods you wish to donate could be purchased cheaper than U.S.A. Canada - so it might be easier on the luggage allowance to shop local. Thank you for your kind thoughts.