According to statistics from the Ministry of Health and the Uganda Aids Commission, Uganda needs 20 million condoms every month. The biggest challenge is that the supply of these condoms cannot meet the exorbitant demand for them. This excessive demand for condoms obviously sparks off condom shortages.
The 2012 Aids Health care Foundation (AHF) report, put it clearly that about 32 per cent Ugandans used condoms that year, indicating a two per cent increase up from 2011. About 200 million condoms are imported to the country annually but the condom status report indicates that an estimated 119 million more male condoms were needed by June 2012. This shows the level of seriousness in using condoms.
Concerned Ugandans like me have expressed fear over condom shortage, since this is likely to fuel the increase of new HIV/Aids infections. The shortage of condoms sometimes goes on for close to two months. Whenever this happens the worst affected districts always include Rakai, Masaka, Kalangala, Mayuge, Buikwe and Butambala among others.
Apart from the high demand for condoms the ministry of Health attributes the shortage to the procurement process at the Global Fund Headquarters in Geneva, which does not rhyme with Uganda’s. The new system where all global fund contributions are given in terms of commodities instead of cash money delays the delivery of condoms. Even when they are finally here they have to be tested and sampled to certify whether they meet standard before they are distributed to the people for use. This strenuous duty is performed by National Drug Authority.
It is good to be African. In a nation where people love sex more than heaven condoms are seriously needed. We enjoy it and we love sampling. We love sex without attachment or with no strings attached. The fact that we are always trying out sex with new partners is enough to explain our need for condoms. When people lament over shortage of condoms the anti-condom activists jubilate.
There’s a new medical crisis. Doctors are reporting that many men are having allergic reactions to latex condoms. They say they cause severe swelling. So what’s the problem? Should they leave sex? You are joking!! Drive carefully and don’t forget to fasten your condom! …Seatbelt, I mean seatbelt.
A condom is the glass slipper of our generation. You slip one on when you meet a stranger.
You dance all the night and then you throw it away. There is a common belief that you are in love with someone when you wear a condom with the other girls. Don’t think that way. Don’t trust anyone. Always use a condom. Sex is the only form of entertainment for the poor. I love this country.
