Health activists under AHF Uganda Cares have expressed concerns over the persistently low uptake of condoms, despite their proven effectiveness in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unplanned pregnancies, and HIV.
Henry Magala, Country Programs Director for AHF Uganda Cares, pointed out that while the government has removed import taxes on condoms, organisations importing them still face hefty verification fees.
These charges, he argues, deter donors from supplying free condoms to the country.
“It may not be a huge sum, but any charge on medical supplies like condoms discourages partners willing to support distribution,” Magala said.
He urged the National Drug Authority (NDA) to waive these inspection fees, just as the government did for import duties.
Activists argue that the government should bear the cost of verifying condoms to encourage partners to support the distribution effort.
They warn that continued complacency among citizens has contributed to rising HIV infection rates.
“Condoms provide up to 95% protection, yet people remain reluctant to use them,” Magala noted.
Further Magala emphasised the need to use events like International Condom Day to raise awareness and encourage uptake.
In addition to financial barriers, activists say there is an uneven distribution of condoms, leaving some communities underserved.
AHF Uganda Cares reportedly pays UGX 300,000 for each batch of imported condoms, amounting to UGX 5 million for every 2 million condoms.
Since 2009, the organisation has imported over 50 million condoms into Uganda.
Kalungu District Health Officer raised concerns over declining condom use in the region, warning that emerging HIV hotspots pose a major public health threat.
He identified Lwabenge, Kalungu Town Council, and parts of Lukaya as high-risk areas where intensified sensitisation and condom distribution efforts are needed.
“We are considering allocating part of the district’s HIV prevention budget to purchase condom dispensers and supplies,” he said. “If we fail to address these emerging black spots, we risk seeing a surge in new infections.”
Dr. Cecilia Nattembo, Regional Medical Director for AHF Uganda Cares in the south-western region, announced the establishment of a new specialised STI treatment center, Kalungu Wellness Center.
“As we fight HIV, we must also combat other STIs,” Dr. Nattembo said, adding that the new wellness center, along with another in Kampala, will provide comprehensive STI screening and treatment.
She urged the public to embrace preventive measures, particularly ahead of Valentine’s weekend.
Boniface Epuku, Program Lead for Condom Programming at the Ministry of Health, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing condom availability.
“Condoms remain the most effective preventive measure. With impending cuts to HIV treatment funding, Uganda must return to the basics, consistent condom use,” Epuku said.
He added that the government procures around 200 million condoms annually and plans to acquire an additional 10,000 dispensers to improve accessibility.
Areas classified as emerging black spots, including Kalungu, will be prioritised in future distribution efforts.
Activists have urged religious and community leaders to actively promote condom use, warning that a lapse in public awareness could undermine progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“The only way to curb new infections is through effective condom use,” Epuku concluded.
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