Protection vs. protectionism?

PIP: Condom social marketing (CSM) programs have been successful in Rwanda and Haiti because they make it possible to sell condoms at prices even low-income people can afford. In Haiti, a packet of 3 Pante condoms costs US$0.06, about the same amount as a packet of 4 Prudence condoms in Rwanda. Less expensive condoms translate into higher condom sales, greater condom use, and a lower degree of HIV transmission. Fewer infections mean funding for AIDS prevention and care can be diverted to other health needs, fewer workers become sick and drop out of the economy, and fewer orphaned children become wards of the state. A major factor which allows such low prices in Haiti and Rwanda is the absence of taxes and tariffs on imported condoms, which comprise the bulk of socially marketed condoms. Botswana, Tanzania, and Bangladesh also do not collect duties on foreign condoms. Some countries, however, impose considerable taxes upon imported condoms. Malaysia, a major condom manufacturer and exporter, imposes a 25% tax upon imported condoms, while Brazil charges condom importers a 10% import duty and all condom marketers an 18% circulation tax. Condom prices in Brazil are among the highest in the world. Even subsidized socially marketed condoms are too expensive for many to buy consistently. Brazil's tariffs together with condom testing regulations and legal expenses impede the sale of subsidized condoms in the country. Efforts are underway to get the Brazilian government to eliminate taxes on imported condoms.^ieng

Global update: Haiti.

In a country of 6 million that is the hemisphere's poorest, an American-supported Haitian campaign against AIDS has moved beyond getting people to ask questions about the risk of disease and helped make condom use commonplace. Within a year, the program has gone from selling about 40,000 condoms a month to nearly half a million. The story of condom use in Haiti, experts say, is one of careful attention to local psychology and culture. Equally important, they say, has been the subsidized price, currently about 3 cents each. In Haiti, despite infection rates that are thought to approach 10% in urban areas, there has been strong resistance to belief in the threat posed by AIDS.