Concern around Lack of ubricant

[Guest guest]

Dear All,

MANAS Bangla is running an HIV intervention targeting 6500 males

having sex with males (MSM) in seven districts of West Bengal. We

require regular supply of ordinary condom to promote safer anal

penetrative sex, flavoured condoms for oral penetration and latex

condom friendly lubricant.

Recently we are facing two very critical problems -

1) We were socially marketing a Malayasian brand of flavoured condom

and field level feedback around that is excellent. But we were told

by WBSAP & CS and its TSU that we cant promote foreign brands without

thorough standardisation, authentication and quality control. We

were asked to promote Indian brand instead. But the Indian brands

available were found to be highly expensive.

I request the list to suggest a) less expensive Indian brands of flavoured

condoms or b)ways of authorisation or standardisation or quality control and

suitable agencies to conduct this exercise.

2) We received a huge consignment of water based lubes from Shivlok

Impex, New Delhi. But that is exhausted and outdated as well. We

still have a limited stock silicon based gel procured through

WBSAP & CS. This is not sufficient in amount per sachet and quality is

also not good. Moreover that will also become outdated by the end of

November 2008. We are desperately searching for lubes producers and

suppliers.

Shivlok Impex have informed us that they need an order

for minimum 65 lakh sachets to produce in a cost effective manner,

but MANAS Bangla alone cant consume 65 lakh sachets.

Can any one on this list suggest a) any producer or supplier of latex condom

friendly lubricants or could different implementing agencies across the

country place a common order with Shivlok Impex and then procure its requisite

lube supply individually!

Waiting for your response and suggestions.

Regards.

Anis Ray Chaudhuri

Treasurer & Director Progrmmes

MANAS Bangla

e-mail: <manasbengal2003@...>