Information on prophylactics (condoms) in Russia and in the former Soviet republics since January 1992 [RUS20246.E]

In a telephone interview on 27 March 1995, a nurse at the American Medical Center in Moscow provided the following information. Foreign-produced and Russian-produced condoms are readily available in Moscow and St. Petersburg, primarily at street kiosks and stands. Russian condoms are inexpensive, but reputed to be ineffective. Major foreign brand name condoms are more expensive than Russian-produced condoms. The nurse added that the average Russian who does not have foreign currency may be unable to regularly purchase foreign condoms. The nurse did not provide information on condoms in other parts of Russia or in the republics that were formerly part of the Soviet Union.

For additional information on condoms in Russia, please consult the last page of the Business and Society Review attachment, the last two pages of the European Rubber Journal attachment, and the other attachments.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this information request.

Reference


American Medical Center, Moscow. 27 March 1995. Telephone interview with a nurse.

Attachments

Business and Society Review [Boston]. 22 September 1993. J. Patrick Lewis. "Down and Out in Russia: The Pain of Emerging Capitalism." (NEXIS)

Cable News Network (CNN). 13 June 1993. Susan Rook and Bob Cain. "AIDS in Eastern Europe." (NEXIS)

European Rubber Journal [London]. September 1993. "LIG Develops PU for Condoms; Includes Related Articles on London International Group; Polyurethane." (NEXIS)

The Irish Times [Dublin]. 22 August 1994. City Edition. Katie Donovan. "Speaking Out for the 'Poorest of the Poor'." (NEXIS)

The Times-Picayune [New Orleans]. 16 March 1994. Vivienne Walt. "Russia to Learn Family Planning." (NEXIS)

Additional Sources Consulted

Other oral sources.