Condoms have been around for 400 years, and aside from a few adjustments, they have changed relatively little in the last 50. The Foundation writes, "We are looking for a Next Generation Condom that significantly preserves or enhances pleasure, in order to improve uptake and regular use." In other words, having a user-applied, affordable, side effect-free device that is clinically proven to prevent STIs or pregnancy (when used correctly) isn't enough: People have to actually want to use a condom in order for real change to occur.
In a statement, the Foundation continues, "Is it possible to develop a product without this stigma, or better, one that is felt to enhance pleasure? If so, would such a product lead to substantial benefits for global health, both in terms of reducing the incidence of unplanned pregnancies and in prevention of infection with HIV or other STIs?" The challenge realizes that, in the heat of the moment, long-term incentives like protection or contraception aren't as enticing as, say, pleasure.
Photo: Courtesy of Amazon
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