Nearly half of the 230 million condoms procured for free distribution in Uganda remain unused each year, even as the country grapples with a surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Dr. Robert Mutumba, head of the AIDS Control Programme at the Ministry of Health (MoH), revealed a decline in condom usage, with some attributing this to fears over quality. While Uganda has various condom brands for sale, free condoms—supplied by the Global Fund—are seeing reduced uptake. Last year, only 170 million condoms were used, leaving a stockpile of 90 million, estimated to last five months.
Boniface Epoku, the Program Officer for Condom Programming, pointed out that easy access to emergency contraceptives is reducing condom use, especially among young people who prioritize pregnancy prevention over protection from HIV and STIs such as chlamydia, which can lead to infertility.
To combat misconceptions about free condoms being of low quality, the government is now partnering with private sellers through a social marketing strategy to make condoms more accessible at affordable prices.
At a meeting ahead of International Condom Day (February 13th), the Ministry of Health launched Kama Sutra, a new Indian condom brand, priced at UGX 1,500 for a pack of three.
However, Martha Mbabazi Atai, HIV Prevention Coordinator at AHF Uganda Cares, highlighted recurring stockoutsof free condoms. She noted that in some areas, AHF Uganda Cares has had to purchase condoms to supplement government supplies, procuring around six million condoms annually.
“For an intervention that reduces HIV acquisition by up to 95%, such stockouts should not happen,” Atai emphasized.
Health officials continue to urge consistent condom use to curb Uganda’s rising STI cases and address barriers to uptake.