Unmanned self dispensing condom vending machines are to be placed at vantage points across the Eastern Region, to support efforts at reducing the high HIV prevalence rate in the region.

The machines which will not require human beings to sell the condoms, is also aimed at eliminating the difficulty customers face in buying condoms at pharmacy shops. Health experts have identified that many people hesitate to buy condoms from pharmacy shops, because of the fear of being labeled promiscuous stigma.

With the unmanned vending machines, it is hoped that the difficulty would be eliminated and customers would freely buy the condoms willingly.

Announcing this at a National Strategic Plan Implementation Stakeholders meeting, Mrs. Golda Asante, Coordinator of the Technical Support Unit of Theatre for Change (Tfac), of the United Kingdom (UK) said the machines would help people get access to the condoms without feeling shy, adding that it would also help to reduce the high rate of HIV/AIDS, as well as mother to child transmission in the region.

She explained that all that was needed was for an individual to slot in a coin, and the condom would be made available to the person.