Annual number of condoms distributed

A count of the number of condoms that have left the central or regional warehouses can provide useful information on the supply of condoms. Since condom use is only tracked through surveys every three to five years, it is important to monitor distribution closely to be able to track uptake of condoms in real time. Analyzing these data jointly with condom needs estimates can provide information on supply gaps. Countries can also use this indicator for comparing subnational distribution per male aged 15-64 years in order to understand inequities in supply and uptake. The indicator requires countries to aggregate and analyze data from different distribution channels, including the public or private sectors and social marketing, making this indicator critical for building a total market approach and exploring complementarity between different market segments.

Distribution from central or regional warehouses will not capture whether condoms are reaching facilities, are being distributed before expiry and are being used. To obtain more accurate information on uptake of condoms, countries should ideally track condom consumption, which is the number of condoms that left distribution points like health facilities, shops or community outreach teams. This is usually done through stock counts at each distribution point at the time of replacing supply. However, since such consumption data is not available in aggregated form in most countries, distribution from central and regional warehouses is recommended as a proxy indicator.