By Staff Reporter

Health authorities in Karonga have raised concern over the misuse of condoms by some fishermen who reportedly use them to waterproof torches during night fishing operations instead of for their intended public health purpose.

Karonga District Council Director of Health Services, David Sibale, said the practice undermines HIV prevention efforts and could reduce the availability of condoms for people who need them to protect themselves against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, as well as unintended pregnancies.

Speaking in an interview with the Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Monday, Sibale acknowledged that fishermen often seek ways to protect their equipment from water damage but stressed that condoms should not be diverted from their primary purpose.Fresh Hope Flows in Karonga: Abida Mia Unveils $32.7M Water Project

“We have received reports that some fishermen are using condoms to cover their torches when they go fishing at night. This is not the purpose for which condoms are provided. Condoms are meant to protect people from HIV, sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies,” Sibale said.

He urged fishing communities to adopt suitable waterproof materials for protecting torches and other equipment while ensuring that condoms remain available for their intended health benefits.

“People should understand that condoms are part of our HIV prevention interventions. Misusing them can reduce availability for those who need them for protection. We encourage communities to use these commodities responsibly,” he added.

The concern has also drawn the attention of fisheries authorities, who say the practice is closely linked to illegal fishing activities.Mutharika dominates Karonga Songwe as MCP secures parliamentary and Local Government seats

Acting District Fisheries Officer Patrick Moyo explained that some fishermen place torches inside condoms to keep them dry before attaching them to fish traps made from prohibited monofilament nets. The waterproofed torches allow fishermen to locate the traps during the night.

“Some fishermen put torches inside condoms so that water does not damage them, then attach the torches to fish traps made from monofilament nets. Since monofilament nets are illegal, this practice not only misuses condoms but is also linked to illegal fishing methods. We will intensify awareness campaigns and enforcement to discourage both the misuse of condoms and the use of prohibited fishing gear,” Moyo said.Bullets Blaze Into Airtel Top 8 Final After Edging Karonga United

Monofilament nets are banned because they indiscriminately catch fish of all sizes, including juvenile fish, posing a serious threat to fish stocks and the sustainability of the fishing industry.

Meanwhile, one fisherman from Kambwe Village in the area of Paramount Chief Kyungu admitted that the practice exists but said many fishermen had not fully appreciated the importance of preserving condoms for public health purposes.

Wakisa Kamanga said fishermen often use condoms because they provide an inexpensive and effective way of keeping torches and mobile phones dry while checking fish traps at night.

“Some fishermen use condoms because they help keep the torches and phones dry when they are attached to fish traps during night fishing. After hearing this message, we now understand that condoms have a more important role in protecting people’s health, and we should look for other ways of protecting our equipment,” Kamanga said.Jane Ansah visits Paramount Chief Kyungu as DPP campaign intensifies in Karonga

He appealed to fellow fishermen to adopt alternative waterproof materials for their equipment and reserve condoms for their intended role in preventing HIV, STIs and unintended pregnancies.

The district council says it will continue working with the Department of Fisheries and community leaders to raise awareness on the proper use of condoms while strengthening efforts to curb illegal fishing practices in Karonga.