Gauteng records an increase in STIs due to shortage of condoms

The Gauteng department of health has recorded an increase in sexually transmitted infections due to a shortage of condoms.

This was revealed this week by the Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko in her response to a question in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature on the distribution of condoms in the past five years from 2017 to date.

Providing further context on the matter, the Gauteng department of health said on Wednesday that the supply of condoms is managed at national level by the National Department of Health and Treasury.

ALSO READ: Kenya probing sale of donated condoms, drugs on black market

“As provinces, we can only make orders from the NDoH approved suppliers who each have an allocated quota of the number of condoms they can supply to the provinces as part of the national contract.,” said the department.

Supply of condoms

Gauteng is expected to receive 143,072 female condoms and 4.280,772 male condoms monthly, but currently receives below the expected number due to supply challenges.

According to the department, some of the condom suppliers are awaiting the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) to approve their samples before making bulk orders from the manufacturers.

“Consequently, the suppliers are only able to supply a limited number of condoms due to them not having sufficient stock,” it said.

ALSO READ: Health department assures government-issued condoms are not recycled

“The GDOH can only issue Quality approved SABS products for safety reasons. It is important to, however, assure the public that currently Gauteng has condoms, but the supply is low compared to what the province is supposed to have in order to meet the allocated targets.”

There is a condom shortage in all Gauteng’s five districts – Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, Sedibeng and West Rand health districts, said the department.

In an attempt to solve the problem, the department said it had mandated suppliers who have excess stock to continue with deliveries.

STIs

The department said Gauteng had recorded an increase in Sexually Transmitted infections partly due to the shortage of condoms.

“New episode of Male Urethritis Syndrome treated increased from 5 486 in February 2022 to 6035 February 2023 when shortages were reported,” it said.

‘Disgraceful’

Jack Bloom, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, said it was “disgraceful” that “a common item like condoms” are in short supply in Gauteng.

“They have a vital role to play in family planning as well as prevention of HIV/Aids and other STIs,” said Bloom.

ALSO READ: World Aids Day: Practise safe sex, don’t use expired condoms

“We need to get the basics right in healthcare in Gauteng. This includes proper contract management so that reliable and cost- effective suppliers are always chosen, rather than companies that don’t deliver.”