Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - Zimbabwe is grappling with a worsening public health crisis as condom prices soar to unprecedented levels in retail shops across the country.
A recent survey by iHarare revealed that the cheapest
option, Protector Plus, now costs nearly $1.50 per packet, while Fantasy
condoms are priced at $3.20, and the internationally recognized Carex brand
costs $3.30.
The surge in prices has been linked to the halt in USAID
funding, a consequence of an executive order signed by former US President
Donald Trump. The directive cut foreign aid funding, including USAID’s support
for Zimbabwe, which previously accounted for 98% of the country’s condom
supply—both for sale and free distribution. Local brands like PSH’s Protector
Plus, which were sold on a cost-recovery basis, have been particularly affected
by this funding gap.
To illustrate the impact, condom prices have risen sharply
in just one year. In January 2024, two packets of Protector Plus condoms could
be bought for $1. Today, a single packet costs 150% more, making condoms
unaffordable for many Zimbabweans.
Last year, Population Solutions for Health (PSH) called on
the government to remove value-added tax (VAT) and import duties on condoms to
address rising prices. However, no action has been taken, and the suspension of
USAID funding has further exacerbated the issue.
The price hike poses significant risks to public health,
particularly in Zimbabwe’s battle against HIV/AIDS. With condoms becoming
increasingly inaccessible, the country faces a heightened risk of HIV
transmission and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
This is especially concerning given Zimbabwe’s status as one
of the countries with the highest HIV prevalence rates globally.
0 Comments