Chinese condoms for women

China's female condom has been deemed safe and effective by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Population Fund and is ready for widespread distribution.

The approval marks a major step forward in helping women protect themselves from unwanted pregnancies and the risk of contracting infectious diseases, including HIV, Asiaone reported.

The female condom, called O'lavie, was originally developed by the Program for Health Technology (PATH), the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, and Chinese partners. In 2008, PATH transferred the technology to Shanghai Dahua Company.

Packaging of O'lavie female condoms. Photo: Asiaone.

“As a manufacturer, we are delighted that this new tool can now be used by more women and men around the world,” said Dahua Chairman Chen Hua.According to Mags Beksinska, research director of the South African Maternal, Adolescent and Child Health Organization, female condoms would address the need to improve reproductive health among women, men and young people.

In 2014, the World Health Organization estimated 2 million new HIV infections globally. More than half of those living with the virus in low- and middle-income countries are women.

According to VNE