7m male condoms distributed: NAC

third quarter of 2012, a total of 6 752 948 condoms were distributed in anticipation that consumers would consistently use the condoms, especially populations at risk.

Provincial Aids Co-ordinator Mr Abednico Muzondiona said although distribution does not translate to actual usage of the condoms, the province has also been witnessing a decrease in sexually transmitted infections.

“During the same quarter we have also been witnessing a decrease in the number of sexually transmitted diseases, a sign that the distributed condoms were being put to good use,” Mr Muzondiona said.

If used correctly and consistently condoms have been proven to be a safe way of protecting users from STIs, including HIV and Aids and unwanted pregnancies.

However, the number of condoms distributed during the period slightly decreased by 2,9 percent from the previous quarter.

Mr Muzondiona attributed the decrease to data capturing especially from the private sector.
He said either the private sector does not submit their reports on time or do not submit at all.
The number of STIs reported during the end of last year decreased from 11 953 to 10 364 cases in four months.

Mr Muzondiona said new cases of STIs increased by 7,8 percent from the second quarter while repeated cases decreased by 24,8 percent.

However, according to the third quarter report only 100 female sex workers in the province were reached with HIV programmes compared to the previous 428 reached previously.

“The lack of implementers for most at risk populations in the province resulted in the low figures being reached by HIV programmes,” reads the report.

Female sex workers are at risk of contracting HIV because of the nature of their work and also they have little power to negotiate for safer sex.

From the range of contraceptives that protect against unintended pregnancies, only condoms, male and female, provide dual protection by stopping HIV transmission and preventing unintended pregnancies.

Apart from the condoms, circumcision, HIV testing and counselling, treatment of STIs, behaviour change communication are some of the preventative measures being employed in Zimbabwe.