Thaindian News

Thiruvananthapuram, July 11 (IANS) “I am not Shy” campaign to overcome shyness in buying a pack of condoms from an outlet was launched here Monday by state-run Hindustan Latex Limited (HLL) on the occasion of World Population Day.

According to a recent survey, modern contraceptives still remain out of reach for millions in India which is all set to overtake China as the world’s most populous nation by 2025.

In the survey conducted it was found that one out of three Indians is still shy to buy condoms from pharmacies and other shops, thus affecting the progress of family planning and leading to unprotected sex. The initiative by HLL is to address this ’shy’ factor directly.

The nationwide campaign was flagged off by Kerala Health Minister Adoor Prakash at a medical store in the heart of the city.

HLL also launched this campaign through social networking websites and also opened a new website www.imnotshy.com.

As part of the campaign, HLL volunteers will go to public places like railway stations and bus stands, and will distribute condoms and other contraceptives free of cost along with brochures to raise awareness levels.

Besides, the company, which has been in the forefront of population stabilising efforts along the union health ministry, will also set up more vending machines across the country and conduct awareness campaigns in remote tribal areas.

“World Population Day reaffirms the right of people to plan their families and future. It is an occasion to further scale up the activities aimed at helping the people to enjoy this right. We are launching the campaign, mainly targeting the marginalised and the young,” said HLL CMD M. Ayyappan.

HLL produces over 1.316 billion condoms annually - accounting for 10 percent of the total global production. “Moods” brand of condom from the HLL portfolio is available in 19 variants and was selected as a “super brand” and “power brand” in India.