Astounding 81 million condoms distributed in Zimbabwe but HIV prevalence remains high
81 million condoms were distributed in Zimbabwe in 2020. This is towards achieving the 2030 goal of HIV testing and condom use. However, despite the staggering numbers Zimbabwe still ranks in the top five in Africa of high Prevalence. With HIV prevalence of 12,9 percent Zimbabwe is number five in Africa.
This looks like Zimbabwe might fail to reach the 2030 targets. Part of the UNAids targets include ensuring condom use reaches 90 percent and AIDS is eradicated by then. A study presented at the 2021 HIV Research for Prevention Conference in February, researchers concluded that rate of increase is to slow to combat the spread of Aids.
They also said that the probability of reaching UNAids targets were very low and that the top three countries in Africa are Eswatini (85 percent), Lesotho (75,6 percent) and Namibia (75,5 percent).
Condoms are highly encouraged because they are a barrier method which provides dual protection against sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. The condom programme has also empowered women by the introduction of female condoms. This has enhanced increased opportunities for protected sex acts and thereby reducing STIs.
Addressing to questions the Aids and TB Unit Director in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Owen Mugurungi said that the ongoing global pandemic has negatively affected the access to HIV preventive measures.
Astounding 81 million condoms distributed in Zimbabwe but HIV prevalence remains high
“A total of 79 604 569 male condoms and 1 810 139 female condoms were distributed in 2020. This includes both the public health sector and social sectors. COVID-19 did affect the different HIV prevention programmes because of the mitigation guidelines to contain the virus.”
“Despite the lockdown, there were strategies that were developed by the MoHCC to ensure that members of the public access the HIV prevention services,” he said.
Dr Mugurungi also added that 86,8 percent of people living with HIV in Zimbabwe are aware of their status which is a 10 percent increase from the survey done in 2015. The 90-90-90 goal process is a true testimony of the progress Zimbabwe has made.
Although some statistics have shown that morning after pills have been running out in pharmacies all over Zimbabwe, there is still work to do. Many youths are still fascinated by using morning after pills which is prevention method for pregnancy not sexually transmitted infections.
Another avenue to be looked at are the rape cases which in the past few months have been worrying the police. The cowards who rape minors tend to spread these infections and the authorities should also work to reduce such incidents.