Kenya is about to face a crisis due to condom shortage as donors end funding on the product. Donor organizations such as the global fund and Global Fund and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) provide around 180 million free condoms to Kenyans each year.
Kenyans need around 455 million condoms each year, and the government can only provide 19.2 million condoms now.
Most health facilities, hotels, offices, and restaurants that were previously able to provide these products to their customers no longer have free condoms.
Did you read this?
This shortage comes when Kenya is tackling increased STIs and STDs among teenagers. Teenage pregnancies have also been on the rise. Over 200 girls are sitting for their national exams while expectant.
Dr Ruth Masha said that The reality is that these children are having sex. We need to give them comprehensive information. We must start having different conversations.
A few weeks ago, Busia county was on the spot for the lack of these products. Residents in this county had resorted to washing and reusing condoms, putting their lives and their clients at risk.
In an interview, Mr Cosmas Okale, a health official at Busia-Kenya, said that the country is having issues related to the supply of condoms, which has lasted for over a year, and there is fear that the issue may lead to an increase in HIV infections and other STIs.
Condom shortage could be catastrophic. A report established that HIV/AIDs is rising months the youth. Advocacy groups say males between 15 and 35 are most affected, mainly due to their habits and don't-care attitude.
A report from using gishu county reported that At least four new HIV infection cases among teenagers aged 10 to 19 years are reported weekly.
The government is to act fast to curb the shortage.
