Zimbabwe insists it has adequate condom stocks, refutes 'baby socks' usage reports
State-owned The Herald newspaper stated that the claims of people using baby socks are "greatly exaggerated and misleading"
Image: Hopewell Chin'ono/X
Authorities in Zimbabwe have dismissed reports claiming a critical condom shortage in the neighbouring country as false and misleading. In a fact-checking story, State-owned The Herald newspaper attributes this information to senior officials, including Dr Bernard Madzima, CEO of the National AIDS Council (NAC), who states the country has sufficient condom stocks.
However, a separate report from the international news agency AFP presented a different perspective, highlighting the struggles of sex workers. AFP quoted a 43-year-old sex worker, Sharon Mukakanhanga, who says she resorted to using "baby socks" as a condom when she became desperate after the withdrawal of U.S. foreign health aid.
Another sex worker, Cecilia Ruzvidzo, was quoted by AFP as saying, "I could not get condoms, which are a necessity for my work."
The Herald newspaper stated that the claims of using baby socks are "greatly exaggerated and misleading"
Image: File
The Herald stated that the claims of using baby socks are "greatly exaggerated and misleading" and were sensationalized by anti-government organizations. The newspaper also quoted health experts who warn that using such unsafe accessories is dangerous and ineffective in preventing HIV.
According to The Herald, the NAC has confirmed that while there were isolated reports of stockouts and hoarding earlier in the year, the situation is now under control. The council told the Harare-based publication that female condoms are also available in abundance and that their supply exceeds demand.
The Herald also confirmed that Zimbabwe has the capacity to test condoms for quality control, with the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) possessing specialized equipment to ensure they meet international standards.
In 2022, IOL reported that the price of condoms in Zimbabwe was so high, with a three-pack costing about the same price as the minimum wage domestic workers take home.
According to local media at the time, sex workers in the country were allegedly having to resort to using bread packets as contraception, as the price of condoms and basic essentials continues to rise.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News