The remaining need is for use by married men who have extramarital affairs and for use by married couples. Hopkins researchers call on programs to launch a coordinated effort to promote condoms and close the gap between need and use. Communication campaigns can help make condom use the social norm rather than risk-taking. Counselors and mass media entertainment can help people address issues of trust, negotiation, and communication essential for safe sexual relationships. Affordable condoms can be made accessible in hotels, bars, barber shops, and through vending machines.
Programs can reach out to youth, unmarried men, and commercial sex workers.
The Population Reports issue cites data from Demographic and Health Surveys showing that both married and unmarried men and women are beginning to change their sexual practices. Among married men, using condoms is the third or fourth most common response. But many men and women who are at risk still do not protect themselves and their partners. This is partly due to lack of knowledge. Knowledge of condoms is also widespread.