Beginning in January 2023, young people in France will have free access to condoms in an effort to stop the spread of STDs (STIs).
At an event for young people’s health, French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled the new health policy.
Macron, who was France’s youngest-ever president when he was first elected in 2017 at age 39, promised to make efforts to prevent and test for HIV and other sexually transmitted viruses.
Young people will be able to pick up condoms at pharmacies, according to President Emmanuel Macron, who called the initiative a “small revolution in prevention.”
The new policy works in conjunction with other health programs aimed at reducing STI transmission and expanding access to contraception.
The French government began to reimburse individuals for the cost of condoms in 2018 if they were purchased in a pharmacy with a prescription from a doctor or midwife.
Three million women were impacted by the government’s decision earlier this year to make contraception free for all women up to the age of 26.
In a Twitter post a few days earlier, President Macron stated that the announcement will be made in addition to other health initiatives which consist of free STI screenings without a prescription for individuals under the age of 26 and free emergency contraception for all women in pharmacies, except HIV.
Author-Roberta Appiah
