Procedure for assessing the acceptability, in principle, of male latex condoms for purchase by United Nations agencies

1. Introduction:

1.1 Background:

The United Nations, through its procurement agencies, supplies medicines and other health products to countries throughout the world, requiring access to a choice of products of acceptable quality, safety and efficacy.

Until 2002, The World Health Organization (WHO) undertook the procurement of condoms, a responsibility which was subsequently transferred to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). However, WHO continued its normative work and together with key partners developed recommended international specifications for condoms and technical and procurement guidelines. The guidelines were published in 2004 as The male latex condom: specification and guidelines for condom procurement and include an update of the specifications and recommended procedures for the prequalification, procurement and compliance testing of condoms.

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Table of contents

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

1.2 Objectives

2. The prequalification scheme for male latex condoms

2.1 Eligibility to participate

2.2 Expression of Interest

2.3 Site inspection

2.4 Product testing

2.5 Reporting and communication of the results of the site inspection

2.6 Decision to prequalify