“Condomising Hotspots Initiative” targets nightclubs and motels

A major fight against teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections is now underway in Fiji through the provision of free condoms in key areas around our cities and towns.

The Rainbow Pride Fiji Foundation, a non governmental organisation which focuses on ensuring the rights and equality of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Intersex community in Fiji is spearheading the initiative.

The “Condomising Hotspots Initiative” targets nightclubs and motels and ensures that condoms are available and accessible to people in these areas.

Rainbow Pride Fiji Foundation, Executive Director, Isikeli Vulavou says they have found that bars, nightclubs and motels are hotspots for people to find sexual partners.

He says to help prevent sexually transmitted diseases they have provided condom dispensers in these areas.

They have signed an agreement to provide condom dispensers with Washdown Bar in Lautoka, Deep Sea group which has nightclubs in Suva, Sigatoka and Nadi.

Condom dispensers have also been available in the Pontoon Nightclub in Labasa since October last year.

Vulavou says condoms are available in health facilities but people still do not prioritise their health and ask for the preventative tool.

The first nightclub in Suva to provide condom dispensers was Onyx and its Managing Director Sean Chow has introduced the idea to the Suva Zone Nightclub Owners Association.

A total of 47 cases of teenage pregnancies were recorded in schools last year of which 19 cases were recorded in primary schools and 28 cases were recorded in secondary schools.