Max, a slippery little fellow with an enticing aroma, is hanging around in taverns, universities and even spaza shops.

Max is the new Department of Health condom launched late last month. A billion of the scented sheaths are on their way to traditional outlets, and more unusual ones too.Much effort had gone into creating a condom that was effective as well as attractive, said Tessa Meyer, marketing and communications manager for the Society for Family Health (SFH).