adminNokusa Masuku Chronicle Reporter
AN MP stunned colleagues this week after claiming a lubricant used on condoms could be fuelling the spread of HIV.
Cde Gertrude Chibagu (Zanu-PF) said she was curious to find out how condoms are made.
The Mashonaland Central MP, who became an MP under proportional representation, sits on the Health and Child Care Parliamentary Portfolio Committee which on Monday quizzed officials from the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC).
“There seems to be a real change of sexual behaviour if you compare our generation and the young people of today, and this oil could be playing a part in that,” Cde Chibagu told ZNFPC executive director, Munyaradzi Murwira.
“So many diseases are emerging and I’m actually worried if these condoms have not contributed to the increase of HIV infections and other cancers. I really need to understand how the condom is made and what material is used.”
Murwira told the MP that ZNFPC did not manufacture condoms but was only responsible for their distribution.
However, he said condoms were safe and a thin rubber was used to produce them, adding: “The oil is for lubrication.”
“All these condoms are tested by the Medicines Control Association of Zimbabwe so we’re assured that they’re safe,” Murwira explained.
The chairperson of the committee, Ruth Labode, said getting such questions from a legislator was an indication that there were so many myths surrounding the use of condoms and other family planning methods.
She said there was a need for engagement to disseminate accurate information.
“There’s need for training with our members so that we can appreciate the role of family planning. This will help demystify all the myths and members will then cascade the message to the community,” said Labode.
Bongani Moyo
Online Reporter