220 000 condoms off to Myanmar

[Arthur Gordon Pym]

220 000 condoms off to Myanmar

20/05/2008 - (SA)

Bangkok - The United Nations will send nearly a quarter of a million condoms into cyclone-hit Myanmar to help needy survivors with no access to contraceptives, a UN official says.
So far, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) said it had sent 72 800 condoms to survivors struggling to maintain their family planning after the storm hit in early May.

A total of 218 400 condoms would be delivered, UNFPA aid advisor Chaiyos Kunanusont said.

"We don't want regular use of contraception disrupted. An emergency usually damages the health system, so people don't have access to condoms and contraceptives," said Chaiyos.

Flights were also carrying reproductive health kits, which included razors for cutting umbilical cords, clean sheets for delivering babies and enough contraceptive pills and injections to last 3 390 women three months.

The supplies were meant to serve about 300 000 people, Chaiyos said.
Cyclone Nargis left 2.4 million people in desperate need of food, medicine and shelter, the UN estimated, but Chaiyos said not all of the affected people would need family planning supplies.

"Not every single woman is using contraceptives in Myanmar. We're basing this on regular habits," he said.
Cyclone Nargis left at least 133 000 people dead and missing, and aid groups had complained that supplies were not getting to survivors quickly enough because of limitations imposed by the ruling junta.

[source]

[Carnyx]

Absurd. This reminds me of people giving anoraks to Red Cross for Africa.

[Menydh]

aid groups had complained that supplies were not getting to survivors quickly enough because of limitations imposed by the ruling junta.

Someone who was in Myanmar a few years ago was told by a guide not to send any humanitarian help to the country, because it was controlled by the rulers and never anything reached the people.

[KaloMatt]

At least kids will have fun using them as baloons.

[Arthur Gordon Pym]

It stems form the particular ideology promoted globally by the Organization of the United Nations.

[Susi]

I guess I can see some sort of rationale behind it-- it's a disaster area and they want as few pregnant women as possible.

[Sergius]

Let's hope they brought different types. Imagine being in a catastrophe zone, society around you is falling apart, there is nothing to eat, and people are stealing anything from each other, and then not being able to get green, penguin-shaped condoms with liquorice taste. That would really ruin your day.

[Vincent]

Originally Posted by Sergius

Let's hope they brought different types. Imagine being in a catastrophe zone, society around you is falling apart, there is nothing to eat, and people are stealing anything from each other, and then not being able to get green, penguin-shaped condoms with liquorice taste. That would really ruin your day.

Nah, only plain red condoms with sour lemon taste for them.