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Condom prices have surged to an all-time high in retail shops across the country.
A recent survey by iHarare reveals that the prices of condoms have skyrocketed, with the cheapest option, Protector Plus, costing US$1- $1.50 per packet. Fantasy condoms are priced at $3.20, while the internationally manufactured Carex brand costs $3.30.
The sudden hike in condom prices is attributed to the halt in USAID funding, which was a direct result of former US President Donald Trump’s executive order on foreign aid.
This order directed divisions with foreign development assistance programs to stop disbursing funds to countries, including Zimbabwe.
USAID supports the procurement and distribution of 98% of all condoms in Zimbabwe, both for sale and for free.
The halt in funding has severely impacted locally available condom brands, such as PSH’s Protector Plus, which are sold in shops for cost recovery.
To put the price hike into perspective, last January (2024), two packets of Protector Plus condoms could be purchased for just $1. Fast forward to the present, and the price has increased by 150% for a single packet.
This drastic price increase has made condoms unaffordable for many Zimbabweans, exacerbating the country’s public health crisis.
Last year, Population Solutions for Health (PSH) urged the government to scrap the value-added tax (VAT) and import duty on condoms, citing the negative impact on condom prices.
However, the government has yet to respond, and the situation has worsened with the halt in USAID funding. (iharare.com)
Online Reporter