Venereologists oppose high condom prices

Venereologists are against high prices for condoms. This opinion was expressed to a BELTA correspondent by Viktor Spiridonov, chief physician of the Vitebsk Regional Clinical Dermatovenerologic Dispensary (VOKKVD).

"Price monitoring conducted by our specialists during raid preventive measures showed that many retail outlets set high trade markups on condoms, thereby limiting the accessibility of these products for consumers. It should be understood that the primary consumers of this product are young people whose incomes are not very high," noted Viktor Spiridonov. The situation is even worse, in his opinion, with entertainment venues, where the price of condoms is simply exorbitant and comparable to the cost of certain alcoholic beverages.

Viktor Spiridonov called on the heads of all retail outlets and entertainment venues to reduce prices for condoms. "The same income can be obtained through higher product turnover, as in this case, we are primarily talking about preserving the health of young people. We advocate for democratic pricing for this product," he emphasized.

The chief venereologist of the region noted that the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continues to be a problematic issue. "Our surveys show that young people have insufficient knowledge about routes of infection, prevention methods, and the severe consequences of STIs. Many of them, for various reasons, including the high cost of condoms, simply treat the issue of preserving their own health and their partner's health irresponsibly," stated the interlocutor. He also reminded that today society has full access to information on the problem of STIs. It can be easily found on the Internet and obtained at medical institutions. Specialists at the dispensary are ready to answer all questions anonymously. A "hotline" and an anonymous counseling room operate here. The website www.vokvd.vitebsk.by contains all the necessary information, and there is an opportunity to ask questions to highly qualified specialists. Also, dispensary staff regularly give thematic lectures in schools, universities, vocational education institutions, conduct training seminars with employees of the education system and internal affairs bodies, speak in the media, and participate in regional preventive campaigns.