Online Reporter
Sifelani Tsiko, Fact Check Editor
FALSE or misleading statements about condom shortages in Zimbabwe have been circulating on various social media platforms and even some mainstream global media. Through sensational headlines, certain anti-Government organisations have sought to create doubts about the efficacy, distribution, and supply of condoms in Zimbabwe, particularly following the cessation of United States foreign health aid earlier this year.
While the US funding cut has affected the provision of free condoms, antiretrovirals, and other healthcare services, the National Aids Council (NAC) maintains that Zimbabwe has adequate stocks of condoms and continues to ensure access to life-saving drugs to prevent HIV transmission.
A wave of misinformation was triggered by an AFP report titled “US aid cuts force Zimbabwe sex workers to use unsafe alternatives,” published on September 15, 2025. The article, quoting a sex worker, claimed that due to condom stockouts, she was now “using baby socks.” This claim was then amplified by some anti-Government organisations, resulting in misleading headlines such as: “Desperation in Zimbabwe: Sex Workers Use Baby Socks as Condom Shortage Worsens.” Health experts have dismissed these claims, stating that the use of unsafe alternatives like baby socks is both dangerous and ineffective in preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. They emphasised that such reports are exaggerated and that using baby socks can cause injury and does not provide adequate protection.
“Baby socks are painful and dangerous to the receptive partner and can cause injury to the sex organs. Such injuries contribute to the transmission of disease, and these baby socks are not useful for prevention of STIs or HIV,” said one 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 does not. Dr Bernard Madzima, CEO of the National Aids Council (NAC), clarified: “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.”
NAC further stated: “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 under control with distribution to facilities underway. In addition to public sector condom supply, the country also has stocks of socially marketed condoms available in most shops. There are also female condoms in abundance, with supply exceeding uptake, and we are encouraging their use as well.”
How many condoms have been distributed in Zimbabwe this year?
Condoms continue to be distributed through both public and private sectors. The public sector distributes via Government facilities, while the private sector is served by Population Solution for Health. According to 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) possesses specialised equipment for testing male condoms, including air inflation testers and other machines, to ensure compliance with international standards such as ISO and WHO guidelines. Supported by organisations like the UNDP and funded by the Global Fund, MCAZ’s Medical Devices Laboratory has been upgraded to enhance quality control and future-proof their 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
Claims that sex workers are resorting to baby socks as an alternative to condoms are greatly exaggerated and misleading. The reports were sensationalised to create the impression that Zimbabwe faces an acute condom shortage. In reality, 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 about the use of baby socks — contribute to a dangerous narrative that can undermine public health efforts. The NAC stresses that dispersing accurate, evidence-based information is essential to counter misinformation and stigma, and to promote effective public health action against HIV/Aids.
