Online Reporter
Sifelani Tsiko
Fact Check Editor
False or misleading statements about condom shortages in Zimbabwe have been circulating on various social media platforms including some mainstream global media. Through misleading headlines an impression has been sought by some anti-Government organisations to create misgivings about the efficacy of condoms, the distribution and supply situation in Zimbabwe following the ending of United States foreign health aid support to the country early this year. Even though US President Donald Trump’s decision to cut funding to developing nations has affected the provision of free condoms, antiretrovirals and other healthcare services, the National Aids Council says Zimbabwe has adequate stocks of condoms to ensure safety as well as access to life-saving drugs to prevent transmission of the HIV virus.
Misinformation and disinformation on condom shortages
A frenzy of misinformation and disinformation was sparked by an AFP report titled: “US aid cuts force Zimbabwe sex workers to use unsafe alternatives,” which was published on September 15, 2025.
Inside the report and buried deep in the article, a sex worker is quoted saying that, due to condom stockouts, she was now “using baby socks.” Some anti-Government organisations, then blew this out of proportion alleging in a misleading headline: “Desperation in Zimbabwe: Sex Workers Use Baby Socks as Condom Shortage Worsens.”
Health experts say this is not true and the use of unsafe accessories such as baby socks can cause serious reactions and a disliking of intercourse. Use of baby socks, they said, was largely an exaggeration. They said it’s dangerous and ineffective in the prevention of the HIV virus.
“Baby socks are painful and dangerous to the receptive partner and can cause injury. Such injuries contribute to the transmission of disease and these baby socks are not useful for prevention of STIs or HIV,” said a Harare based doctor.
“Safe sex promotion requires healthy condoms for HIV prevention. This excludes any kind of unsafe condoms or accessories.”
Does Zimbabwe have a serious shortage of condoms?
No, it doesn’t. Says Dr Bernard Madzima, CEO of the National AIDS Council (NAC): “As far as I am concerned, there is no shortage of condoms in Zimbabwe. We have enough stocks in the country. The current discussion is focused on condom funding post-2025. For now, there are adequate supplies in the public sector.”
In a response, NAC also added that: “The correct position is that the country has sufficient stocks of condoms for now and into the foreseeable future. There were isolated reports of condom stock-outs and hoarding early this year following the Stop Work Order issued by the United States government. The artificial shortages were due to speculation that the country would experience condom shortages but the situation is currently under control with distribution to facilities underway. In addition to public sector condom supply, the country also has stocks of socially marketed condoms on the market which are sold in most of our shops. There also are female condoms in abundance, their supply actually exceeds uptake and we are encouraging the use of the female condom as well.”
How many condoms have been distributed so far this year in Zimbabwe?
Condoms continue to be distributed in both the public and private sector. The public sector is through Government health facilities while the private sector distribution is through Population Solution for Health. According to the NAC, a total of 27 855 015 male and 601 878 female condoms were distributed in the second quarter of 2025.
Does Zimbabwe have the capacity to test condoms?
Yes, it does. The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) already possesses specialised equipment for testing male condoms, including air inflation testers and other specialised machines, to ensure compliance with international standards like ISO and WHO guidelines. Supported by organisations like the United Nations Development Programme and funded by the Global Fund, MCAZ’s Medical Devices Laboratory upgrades have included these testing machines to enhance quality control and future-proof their lab services for products like condoms.
Why is this equipment important?
Public Health: The machines help guarantee the quality and effectiveness of male condoms, which are crucial in preventing HIV transmission in Zimbabwe.
Quality Assurance: The equipment is used to conduct various quality tests, including:
Air Inflation: Testing the bursting volume and pressure of condoms.
Dimensional Testing: Ensuring correct length, width, and thickness.
Defect Detection: Checking for holes and other visible defects.
Seal Integrity: Verifying the integrity of individual condom packages.
Verdict:
The statements that sex workers are now resorting to the use of baby socks as an alternative to condoms are greatly exaggerated and misleading. The report was sensationalised to create the impression that Zimbabwe now has an acute shortage of condoms.
The country has adequate stocks of condoms. The HIV/AIDS epidemic remains a serious and ongoing public health issue in Zimbabwe and the Government continues to invest heavily in the fight against the pandemic.
Misinformation, stigma and misunderstanding, such as false claims that the use of baby socks can fight HIV, contribute to a dangerous narrative that can undermine public health efforts. The NAC said dispersing accurate and evidence-based information is essential to counter misinformation and stigma, promoting effective public health action against HIV/AIDS.
