Shortages of condoms in Gauteng
JOBURG – Gauteng Department of Health says shortage of condoms in the first quarter, April – June 2015, is attributed to challenges emanating from service providers' failure to meet required monthly quantities.
Gauteng condom distribution has been hit by supply problems.
Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu said the shortage of condoms in Gauteng in the first quarter, April – June 2015, is attributed to challenges emanating from service providers’ failure to meet required monthly quantities due to fluctuations in exchange rate.
However, spokesperson for Gauteng Health Department Steve Mabona said, “Local companies should show that they are capacitated to produce the said products, including condoms in South Africa. We are convinced this will alleviate this unnecessary pressure.”
“Adequate distribution of condoms will always play a pivotal role in the prevention of HIV/Aids,” said Mabona.
Meanwhile, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health Jack Bloom said, “It is disturbing that problems with the national condom tender are hitting supply so badly in Gauteng.”
Bloom added that instead of 58 million condoms being distributed in the first quarter of the 2015/16 financial year, only 42 million were distributed.
He also said the shortfall last year was 62 million condoms – the target was 193 million and only 131 million were distributed.
Bloom said prevention of HIV/Aids is top priority, therefore the condom supply problem should be sorted out as soon as possible.
“I support MEC Mahlangu in looking for local suppliers who can quickly make up the shortfall,” Bloom concluded.
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