Hello

Your subscription is almost coming to an end. Don’t miss out on the great content on Nation.Africa

Ready to continue your informative journey with us?

Hello

Your premium access has ended, but the best of Nation.Africa is still within reach. Renew now to unlock exclusive stories and in-depth features.

Reclaim your full access. Click below to renew.

Over 30 million condoms available for Christmas, Boxing Day, says MOH

What you need to know:

  • Last year, a condom crisis hit Greater Masaka Region. Health authorities and residents raised concerns fearing the scarcity may trigger more sexually transmitted infections. Lwengo, Kyotera, Lyantonde and, Kalungu districts were the most affected.

More than 30 million male and 173,000 female condoms are ready for distribution nationwide during Christmas and Boxing Day.

Unlike the usual stock out during the festive season, Ms Vastha Kibirige, the national coordinator of the Condom Desk in the Health Ministry says they planned early this time to address the overwhelming demand on the two exciting days.
The communication comes a month after the National Drug Authority (NDA) ordered Marie topes Uganda to recall more than three million Lifeguard condoms from the market.

Laboratory tests had established that Lifeguard condoms were of poor quality and that they risked busting while others contained pores. Although the public is still skeptical about the safety of condoms, Ms Kibirige explained that the available consignment was tested by the Joint Medical Stores (JMS) and confirmed safe before availing it for distribution.

She says they are alerting all-district condom desks, District Health Departments and community-based organisations to make orders through the JMS to get their consignment in time.
According to her, in situations when demand increases, organisations such as Uganda Cares, DKT-International (Kiss Condoms) and among others have come in to fill the gap.
However, several districts in the Greater Masaka region are still complaining about the stock out.
In Lyantonde and Kalungu districts, the condoms usually run out in few weeks due to the heavy presence of commercial sex workers and truck drivers.

Mr Fred Kalumba, a senior nursing officer in charge of condom distribution in Lyantonde, says there’s a shortage of condoms in the meantime.
“The few available condoms are kept for high-risk groups mainly commercial sex workers and truck drivers,” he said.

According to Mr Kalumba, the demand is high for male condoms, adding that the uptake of female condoms is still low.
In her response to the complaint, Ms Kibirige explained that the condoms are distributed on orders. He appealed to all district departments to place their orders with JMS.

Condoms come third of the recommended strategies for prevention against HIV in Uganda. They come after Abstinence, Being faithful. UNAIDS statistics indicate that Uganda has 1,400,000 people living with HIV, 6 % being aged between 15 and 49 years. As of last year, 53 000 people got infected with HIV while 23,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses.

Last year, a condom crisis hit Greater Masaka Region. Health authorities and residents raised concerns fearing the scarcity may trigger more sexually transmitted infections. Lwengo, Kyotera, Lyantonde and, Kalungu districts were the most affected. In these districts, virtually all condom dispensers in different health centers are empty amid high demand.

READ:

  • NDA recalls 700,000 defected condoms, tells men to check size before purchase

    The affected condoms were manufactured by India-based MHL Healthcare in April 2019 and have an expiry date of April 2024, the government regulator said

  • Marie Stopes directed to recall 4 million Life Guard condoms

    Ms Victoria Nambasa, the product safety officer at NDA says the condoms were not free from “holes and burst properties".

  • Two officials suspended over release of fake condoms

    Ms Opendi says the pharmacist communicated that NDA had cleared the condoms before they were released

  • How did faulty condoms end up in the market?

    According to a letter issued by NDA, the condoms from batches 19040205 and 19050105 manufactured in April and May with expiry dates for March and April 2024, do not meet market standards