Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
MORE than 100 000 condoms were distributed for free in Manicaland in 2025 by the Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Zimbabwe as health stakeholders step up efforts to curb new HIV infections and curtail a surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly among young people.
Other partners also supplied additional condoms across the province, but their figures are not included in this tally.
The statistics come as the province joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Condom Day today (Friday).
Observed annually on February 13, a day before Valentine’s Day, World Condom Day seeks to promote safer sex and raise awareness on the importance of condoms in preventing HIV, other STIs and unintended pregnancies.
Manicaland, historically one of Zimbabwe’s high HIV burden provinces, has in recent years recorded a decline in HIV prevalence and incidence due to combination prevention strategies.
However, health experts warn that complacency and declining condom use could undermine these gains.
In an interview, AHF Zimbabwe national youth coordinator, Mr Knowledge Nyanhungo, said they distributed the condoms, which remain central to the HIV prevention response, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
“In 2025 alone, AHF distributed over 100 000 condoms in Manicaland.
“This is because condoms play a critical role in the HIV prevention strategy as they remain the only widely available, cost-effective method that provides dual protection against HIV, STIs and unintended pregnancies,” he said.
While biomedical interventions such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) have expanded prevention options, Mr Nyanhungo cautioned against viewing them as substitutes for condoms.
“These biomedical HIV prevention advances are critical, but they are not a replacement for condoms. PrEP protects against HIV, but not against STIs or unplanned pregnancy,” he said.
He expressed concern over a rise in new STI cases among young people, describing it as a clear indicator of low condom use.
“A rise in the cases of new STIs, particularly among young people, is a clear sign of low condom use among young people, while reliance on newer biomedical prevention tools has increased,” he said.
He added that young people need comprehensive information on how different prevention methods complement each other, rather than compete.
Mr Nyanhungo said another worrying trend is low condom use among married individuals and those in what are perceived as stable relationships.
“There is low condom use among married individuals and those in ‘stable relationships’, hence exposing them to sexual health risks. Assumptions of trust within relationships often lead to inconsistent condom use, even where risk factors may exist,” said Mr Nyanhungo.
He also said despite ongoing distribution efforts across, both urban and rural communities, social and cultural barriers continue to hinder uptake.
Mr Nyanhungo said misconceptions, including beliefs that condoms reduce sexual pleasure or appetite, remain prevalent in some communities.
“In addition, some people feel embarrassed to request condoms at health facilities, supermarkets or pharmacies.
“Some people in the community still believe that condoms are for promiscuous people and that educating young people about condoms encourages them to engage in sexual activities,” he said.
“Such attitudes, he argued, undermine prevention efforts and discourage open conversations about sexual health.
Beyond making condoms available, he called for sustained community education and honest public dialogue involving policymakers, service providers and communities.
“There is a need to continually take a comprehensive approach in fighting new HIV infections by implementing balanced behavioural, biomedical and structural prevention interventions within the province,” said Mr Nyanhungo.
He emphasised the importance of educating people, not only on the availability of condoms, but also on their correct and consistent use.
“People should be educated on how to use condoms and to also have honest public conversations where policymakers, service providers and communities renew their commitment to condom access, promotion and comprehensive sexuality education both in schools, colleges and out of school,” he said.
Zimbabwe has made significant progress in reducing HIV infections over the past decade, but health officials caution that prevention fatigue, stigma and misinformation remain persistent challenges.
Mr Nyanhungo said as Manicaland commemorates World Condom Day, the focus is shifting from distribution numbers to behavioural change.
“We want to ensure that condoms that are available are actually used. People should regularly be urged to prioritise protection as an act of responsibility because sustained progress in the fight against HIV and STIs depends not only on access, but on informed choices,” he said.
