The French Government is making condoms free for young people as part of a new health measure

Young people in France will have access to free condoms under a new health measure to slow the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

French President Emmanuel Macron described the decision as a “small revolution in prevention”.

People aged between 18 and 25 will be able to collect the contraceptive from local pharmacies.

Mr Macron said there are vast challenges when it comes to sexual education in France.

“We are not very good on this subject. The reality is very, very different from the theory.”

France reported a 30 per cent jump in STIs in 2020 and 2021.

The President announced a raft of measures to limit the spread of STIs, and increase access to contraception.

“Faced with the new spread of the epidemic, I think it’s good to set an example because we don’t necessarily want to return to overall mandates,” he said.

Paris has previously made contraception free for women under the age of 26.

Young women have access to free doctor or midwife consultations, examinations or medical procedures related to contraception.

In addition, there are different types of prescription contraception available to women in pharmacies without any costs.

President Macron also announced free STI screenings without a prescription, except for HIV, to those under the age of 26.