Tshering Nidup – Alone against AIDS
Tshering Nidup is a busy man these days.
While many office-goers retire to the comfort of their bukharies (wood-fed -stoves) and heaters after office, the 40-year-old administrative officer of the Royal Institute of Health Science in Thimphu, downs his grey suit and drives out to do, what observers call, the noblest job.
He is the Condom Man and is out for hours distributing condoms.
Until late in the evening, Tshering Nidup in his Hiace bus, decorated with awareness messages on HIV/AIDS, drives to all the crowded nooks and corners of the town. He targets bars and hotels not just to distribute condoms but occasionally pausing to talk about how the killer virus is spread, the advantage of using condoms, and safe sex. He also distributes leaflets containing information on HIV/AIDS.
On weekdays, Tshering Nidup stays out distributing till 9 pm and till 10 pm on weekends.
“I want to curb the rising number of HIV infection in Bhutan,� he said. “Although the health ministry has initiated several programmes to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, I thought I would contribute in my own little way.�
Tshering Nidup initiated the awareness and advocacy programme without any help and said that he is committed to contribute in disseminating correct information on HIV/AIDS.
So far, the Condom Man has met about 25,000 people in Paro and Thimphu and distributed about 10,000 condoms. “I target people, who are lying idle, roaming the streets, people in bars and hotels, and labourers,� he said.
Tshering Nidup, driving his own bus and carrying condoms and information leaflets, had travelled with Her Majesty Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck, during the multisectoral task force meeting in Deothang, Pemagatshel, Trashigang and Mongar to mark World Aids Day on December 1. He distributed about 8,000 condoms along the way.
The Condom Man does not receive any benefits or concessions from his office for carrying out his advocacy programme. He is on his way to Phuentsholing, but had to take casual leave. “The only concession is that I need not pay parking fees,� he said. The biggest support, according to the Condom Man, is the support of his family. “My wife and children appreciate what I’m doing and I am happy.�
Tshering Nidup is satisfied with what he is doing, but said that there were some challenges in convincing people to take the “free gift�. “People don’t come forward, especially women,� he said. “They’re embarrassed to take condoms.�
Meanwhile, Tshering Nidup’s initiative has developed a huge support group, especially taxi drivers. “We should appreciate him instead of laughing at him,� said a taxi driver, Ugyen. “It’s a great idea. Nobody thought of distributing condoms on a large scale.�
Another driver said that the Condom Man would be the most effective to curb the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS. “His means are funny but effective.� Source: Kuenselonline
