adminRichard Muponde Gwanda Correspondent
THE Ministry of Health and Child Care has no money to rebrand the Panther “DeMbare” condoms which are unpopular with the youths so as to attract more users and reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. This came to light at the 2016 Matabeleland South first quarter provincial stakeholders meeting held in Gwanda last week which was organised by the National Aids Council.
Last year some participants in the 2015 stakeholders meeting indicated that the youths were reluctant to use the “DeMbare” condoms because they were for free and hence the perceptions that they were of poor quality.
However, Zimbabwe National Family Planning (ZNFPC) Council, Matabeleland South head, Ms Martha Mhiribidi said the idea was not feasible as the Ministry of Health and Child Care had no money to do so, unless there were well-wishers who could repackage them. ZNFPC is a Government organisation which falls under the Ministry of Health and Child Care tasked with distribution of condoms and contraceptives.
“Repackaging of blue and white condoms is not feasible unless there are individuals, organisations or well-wishers who can do it for us. At the movement the Ministry has no money to do so. Well-wishers have been invited for the repackaging of the condoms. However, people just need to change their mindset as packaging cannot change anything as the condoms are the same,” said Ms Mhiribidi.
Ms Mhiribidi also revealed that the female condom was not being used as much as the male condoms and urged stakeholders to market it vigorously so that more women take it.
Last year the province distributed over 7 million condoms for both male and female and the uptake was not pleasing. In first quarter of this year they have distributed about 2 million condoms for both sexes.
According to some participants who attended the meeting, some youths have indicated that “DeMbare” condoms have an unpleasant smell.
Online Reporter