This document is a response to a call from the international community for UNFPA to take the lead in ensuring reproductive health commodity security (RHCS). It outlines the scope of the issue, identifies required actions at both the global and country levels to ensure RHCS, and proposes specific roles for various partners, from developing country governments to NGOs and the private sector. It also projects contraceptive costs, shortfalls and consequences.

This document was developed in collaboration with the Population Council to design and test a rapid needs assessment and data-gathering tool to improve country level condom programming for HIV prevention of which condom distribution, promotion and use are important elements.

The male latex condom is a simple, low-cost device, but because lives depend on it, it has to meet demanding performance requirements. This technical publication includes product specifications and guidelines, developed through consultations with international organizations, donors, NGOS and many in the private sector, including testing laboratories and consumer groups, to ensure quality asurance procedures for the production and procurement of condoms.

From 1998 - 2002 the European Commission, UNFPA and European and local NGOs came together under the Initiative for Reproductive Health in Asia (RHI) to improve the RH of vulnerable populations in 7 countries in South and Southeast Asia. This publication presents the activities, experiences and lessons learned over the course of the first phase of this innovative programme.