New Delhi: With a view to popularise usage of condoms as "dual" purpose device - for contraception and against HIV/AIDS - a new "Dual Protection Condom Programme" was launched here today (June 30, 2004), which aims to involve Indian male in the endeavour.

Based on a campaign "Condom: Yahi Hai Sahi", the programme is a joint effort between ICICI Bank and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and has support from Health Ministry.

As part of this, a new television advertisement that portrays Indian male as an energetic, successful individual who is in full control of his life and choices has been prepared and would be aired from tomorrow (June 30, 2004).

"Population explosion is the major factor that prevents India from becoming a developed country from a developing one," Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said in New Delhi launching the programme.

Ramadoss said India had one-sixth of world population with its only 2.5 per cent of landmass. The aim of the programme was to promote correct and consistent use of condoms and expand private sector market by increasing demand.

"The Common Minimum Programme laid emphasis on population stabilisation and control of HIV/AIDS," Ramadoss said. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had stressed upon role of private sector for meeting health needs, he added.

The new programme would help in handling the twin issues of population and HIV/AIDS, Ramadoss said adding though fertility rates in the country had fallen, some States like Bihar and UP scored badly in this aspect, he said.