As Uganda prepares to observe International Condom Day on February 13, concerns about the adequacy of condoms available on the market have surfaced in Parliament. Legislators have called on the Ministry of Health to address the issue, citing that many condoms are perceived as "too small" for Ugandans.
International Condom Day is an annual global advocacy and awareness initiative aimed at promoting condom use as a preventive measure against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), including HIV, and unplanned pregnancies.
During discussions in Parliament on Friday, several MPs expressed reservations about the suitability of condoms currently available. They also highlighted gaps in public education regarding the correct usage of condoms to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa emphasized the importance of protection as a preventive measure endorsed by the government. He urged Health Minister Ruth Aceng to provide a response to the concerns raised by the legislators.
Tayebwa stated, "Protection is one of the preventive measures promoted by the government. Parliament serves as a platform to inform and educate the public about such issues. Minister, bring a statement on this."
In response, Dr. Aceng affirmed the existence of National Condoms Day, stating that it serves as an advocacy platform to remind people about the importance of condom use. She acknowledged the need to address concerns raised by Parliament but left the decision to provide a detailed response to the Speaker's discretion.
Statistics reveal that annually, over one million people acquire STIs globally, and there are approximately 80 million unintended pregnancies worldwide. In Uganda, condom usage among specific age groups remains relatively low, contributing to the high prevalence of STIs and unintended pregnancies, particularly among youth and women.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), unprotected sexual intercourse is a significant mode of HIV transmission, with an estimated 1.4 million people living with HIV in Uganda. Last year alone, more than 8,000 girls became pregnant during the COVID-19 lockdown period.
Henry Magala, the country director of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), emphasized the importance of prevention in combating HIV/AIDS. He highlighted that correct and consistent condom usage could have averted a significant number of new infections.
With HIV prevalence highest in the Central region, particularly in urban areas like Kampala, where condom availability and accessibility are critical, addressing concerns about condom sizes and promoting their correct usage remains paramount in Uganda's public health efforts.
