(CNN) — Condoms are now available in French pharmacies free of charge for young people under the age of 26, as part of what French President Emmanuel Macron has called a “mini-revolution in preventive healthcare.”
The new health strategy, which aims to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases among young people in France, took effect at New Year’s Day and was announced by Macron in December. It was initially targeted at those between the ages of 18 to 25, but was later extended to minors.
Emergency contraception will also be available free of charge to all women without a prescription from January 1, according to a tweet from government spokesman Olivier Ferrand, Monday.
Since January 1, 2022, French women under the age of 26 have access to free contraception. This included consultations with physicians or midwives and medical procedures associated with the chosen contraceptive method.
The latest measures come as health authorities estimate that the rate of sexually transmitted diseases in France rose by around 30% in 2020 and 2021, Archyde.com news agency reported.
“It is a small revolution in preventive health care,” Macron said in December. “It is essential that our young people protect themselves during sexual intercourse.”