French President Emmanuel Macron has called it “a small revolution in preventative healthcare”.
The move to provide free condoms to people under the age of 26 comes as an attempt to stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among young adults in France.
As of New Year’s Day, free condoms have been made available to young adults between the ages of 18 and 26. Adults older than 26 will not feel left out either as they can be reimbursed for condom purchases if they have a prescription from a doctor.
The “revolution” comes as the rate of STDs in France increased by 30% in both 2020 and 2021, Reuters reports.
“It’s a small revolution in preventative healthcare. It’s essential that our young people protect themselves during sexual intercourse,” Macron said in December.
Macron admitted that the education system in the country was not doing enough to teach minors about the dangers of unprotected sex.
“The reality is very, very far from the theory. We have to train our teachers better in this area, we have to sensitise them again,” he said.
Compiled by Dylan Bettencourt
Pictured above: Condoms
Image source: Health Central
