Speaking at the occasion, Health Minister Professor Sheila Tlou said they hope that women might be enticed by the new name to use the condom more frequently. The minister launched "Bliss" as the condom is now known in high spirits describing it as sexy and appealing to both men and women. She said the name exactly captures the mood of sex.

"In the past, we might have blundered by calling it female condom. What a boring name, who would like to buy a thing like that! Bliss, is the real thing. It is for sexual bliss, you see," she said to a loud roar from the audience at the Main Mall where the product was launched with fanfare. The Prisons band provided entertainment in the event attended by representatives from the UNDP and WHO. Speakers emphasised the importance of women being in control during sex.

Thanks to a recent news segment on Btv, the Minister said at the launch that she has learnt that the few women who collect the condom from the clinics are only interested in cutting out the rings for bangles. "It is a shame. If we catch you doing that, you will be in trouble. This thing was made only to combat sex- related diseases, and we must use it to do so," Tlou threatened.

The Monday event, coordinated by advertising company, Elements, which also came up with the new name seemed to attract a small crowd. Most of the women who attended appeared to be industrial class workers from the nearby Gaborone City Council. Large posters with the faces of a man and woman bearing the name "Bliss" decorated every corner of the Main Mall on yesterday, to announce the new name of the female condom.

The advertising agency also did well to produce leaflets in Setswana that explains how the female condom works and how it helps to control the spread of HIV and other sex-related diseases. Tlou said the advertising company approached her ministry with the idea of branding the product because of low interest from women.