A Community-Based Condom Social Marketing Initiative in Post-Conflict Liberia

Curtis Taylor, University of Liberia
Stephen Kennedy, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation
Wede Nagbe, University of Liberia
Fred Sosu, University of Liberia
Daisajou Woods, University of Liberia
Roland Martin, University of Liberia
Ernree Bee, University of Liberia
Prince Sirleaf, University of Liberia
Monica Quaqua, University of Liberia
Wede Seekey, University of Liberia
Barclay Dennis, University of Liberia

This study describes a condom promotion strategy to prevent HIV/STDs among vulnerable youth in a post-conflict, resource-constrained environment via the provision of both male and female condoms to non-traditional venues like music shops, ice cream parlors, money exchange centers and beauty salons. Community members from four zones within designated catchment areas volunteered their services and the use of their small businesses to support this endeavor. We postulate that this approach may increase condom use among urban youth and community members in Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia. In this paper, we describe the condom promotion strategy and its implications within the context of a community-based participatory social marketing program to prevent risky sexual behaviors among highly vulnerable urban youth, as well as adults within the communities, in a post-conflict country.