By Staff Reporter
Mangochi District Hospital has reportedly run out of condoms for the past two weeks, raising concerns among health officials and residents in the lakeshore district.
Malawi Voice has learnt from a senior officer at the facility that people seeking condoms, particularly young people, are being turned away due to the shortage.1 Million Condoms Delivered Ahead Of Kulamba This Weekend
The development has sparked concern in Mangochi, a district known for its tourism industry and commercial sex activities, where access to condoms is considered critical in preventing sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
Sources further claim that some people have resorted to using plastic materials as protection during sexual intercourse, a practice health experts warn is unsafe and ineffective.
The reported shortage comes at a time when condom use remains low nationwide. According to the National AIDS Commission (NAC), only 48 percent of sexually active people aged between 15 and 49 used condoms this year.Male Contraceptive Injection Breakthrough: Scientists Develop 2-Year Birth Control Jab That Temporarily Stops Male Fertility
In a recent statement, NAC attributed the low uptake of condoms to factors such as over-reliance on free condoms, low perceived risk of infection and limited condom education.
NAC further said the commission is working to stabilize the condom market to ensure subsidized and commercial condoms are readily available, while exploring innovative distribution methods.Girl Child Learners For Free Sanitary Pads
According to NAC, about 161 million condoms were distributed across the country in 2024.Other