PSP Central America: Contract Signing with Farmacias Paris to Distribute Condoms

The Abt Associates Population Services International (PSI) consortium is responsible for carrying out a program to make condoms available to vulnerable population groups that gather in outlets where high-risk behaviors take place in Mexico. These outlets include bars, motels/hotels and establishments where commercial sex work occurs. They have recently signed a contract with Farmacias Paris to distribute a selection of condoms in Cancún and Playa del Carmen where the program is being implemented.

Farmacias Paris is a chain of well-established pharmacies in the state of Quintana Roo, where Cancun and Playa del Carmen are also located. This local distributor currently carries a large selection of brands, including leader brands like Sico, Trojan, Durex and a social marketing brand called Prudence. Farmacias Paris sees an opportunity in opening new distribution outlets that might allow distribution of other health products in the future.

Potential condom distribution strategies are experimented through partnerships with national distributors, condom brands and the public sector. They proved particularly difficult due to the complexity of the Mexican market coupled with the lack of PSI’s sales force.