Spain is gearing up to distribute free condoms to young people in response to a rise in sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms will be available free of charge to young people between the ages of 14 and 22.
Spain is gearing up to distribute free condoms to young people in response to a rise in sexually transmitted diseases.
Health Minister Monica Garcia revealed the government’s plans for the first time during a session of the Senate Health Committee. Garcia stated, “When considering a free vaccine option to prevent an infection, it doesn’t make sense to exclude an effective measure like condoms.”
Garcia emphasized that the ministry advocates for the public health system to cover the cost of condoms and highlighted the concerning increase in sexually transmitted infections.
According to the Spanish official news agency EFE, condoms will be available free of charge to young people between the ages of 14 and 22. These condoms can be obtained from pharmacies using their health cards.
Sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise in Europe
According to a recent report released by the Ministry of Health, cases of gonorrhea and syphilis have been increasing in the country since the early 2000s.
Infections related to the sexually transmitted disease caused by the Chlamydia bacterium have also seen a significant rise, with the infection rate per 100,000 people more than tripling between 2016 and 2022.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports that in 2022, compared to the previous year, there was a 48% increase in gonorrhea cases, a 34% increase in syphilis cases, and a 16% increase in chlamydia cases.
In France, free condoms have been available for individuals under 26 since January of last year.
Source: Euronews