condom

Department of Health denies serious condom shortage in South Africa, but acknowledges delays in supply due to COVID-19. Image: Pixabay.

National Health Department denies ‘serious’ condom shortage

Although there have been delays in supplying and delivering condoms, there are enough in the country, according to the health department.

condom

Department of Health denies serious condom shortage in South Africa, but acknowledges delays in supply due to COVID-19. Image: Pixabay.

The Department of Health said there are no serious shortages of condoms in South Africa after it emerged that there was a shortage at Gauteng Health facilities.

Gauteng Health facilities experience shortage due to supplier issues

As previously reported, Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said the short supply in the province was due to supplier issues.

“Contract RT75_condom suppliers didn’t have stock to deliver to Province from the inception of the new contract in February 2022 as suppliers were awaiting SABS sample approval prior ordering bulk stock from the manufacturers,” wrote Nkomo-Ralehoko in reply to a question from the DA in the legislature.

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The MEC added that the condom shortage has led to an increase in Sexually Transmitted Diseases, including Male Urethritis Syndrome, which increased from 5486 in February 2022 to 6035 in February this year.

Department of Health assures public there are enough condoms in the country despite low stock levels in some areas

Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale acknowledged there had been delays in supplying and delivering condoms. He said this shortage dated back to the global lockdowns due to COVID-19. However, the Department said there are enough condoms in the country.

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“It is critical to note that South Africa does not manufacture condoms, but condoms are all imported from other countries.

“Before distribution in the country, samples of condoms are subjected to rigorous testing process for quality assurance by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).

“At the current moment, there are no serious shortages or stockouts of condoms around the country, despite low stock levels in some areas, including in Gauteng,” said Mohale.

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The Department said it is in constant communication with provinces to keep track of the contraceptive stock levels to intervene if necessary.

Democratic Alliance (DA) MPL Jack Bloom said it is disgraceful that a common item like condoms is in short supply in Gauteng. He said condoms are vital in family planning and preventing HIV/AIDS and other STIs.

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“We need to get the basics right in healthcare in Gauteng. This includes proper contract management so that reliable and cost-effective suppliers are always chosen, rather than companies that don’t deliver,” said Bloom.

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