Joburg City is halfway to reaching 94 million condoms distribution target

The City of Johannesburg’s Department of Health has said on 15 February that it is almost halfway through reaching its target of distributing 94 million free condoms before the end of this financial year.

The City said it distributed just over 33.6 million male and female condoms to its residents during the 2015/2016 financial year. The intention is to promote condom use among those that are sexually active, especially with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) prevailing.

The City is concerned with an inadequate supply of condoms from the National Department of Health and claims it breaks the chain of delivery of condoms to our various outlets.

According to the City’s Department of Health, South Africa has the largest and the fastest growing HIV epidemic in the world. The City said condoms are also distributed at health facilities, workplaces, shebeens and non-profit organisations who work with the City and at other relevant outlets in order to meet the target.

MMC for Health and Social Development, councillor Mpho Phalatse said the City has committed to the 2017–2022 National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STI (NSP) through ensuring ‘a fit city characterised by healthy living for all’.

Phalatse has encouraged all sexually active residents to visit their nearest clinic to pick up free condoms and learn more about STIs.

“While condoms are not 100 per cent safe in preventing unwanted pregnancies and STIs, consistent and correct use of condoms has been shown to significantly reduce the risks.  We will also continue to encourage abstinence where possible, and faithfulness to one partner for those who are sexually active, while making condoms freely available at all our facilities to secure the well-being of our valued residents,” said Phalatse.

Observations noted by the City’s health department revealed that the scented, coloured male condoms seem to be more popular than the original unscented condoms distributed while female condoms do not seem to be very popular. To improve the use of female condoms, a scented version of female condoms has now been made available.

Related article: 

https://midrandreporter.co.za/179901/hiv-vaccine-awareness-day-get-tested-know-status/

https://midrandreporter.co.za/188066/world-aids-day-hivaids-today-glance/