Health care workers concerned about shortage of condoms
Health care workers in Gauteng are concerned about the shortage of condoms.
Kwatsaduza – Public facilities in Gauteng have run out of male and female condoms and Kwatsaduza is not spared.
Sister Thembi Moketi from Kwa-Thema Community Health Centre (Kwa-Thema main clinic) said they ran out of male condoms three months ago.
“We fear unwanted pregnancies, especially teenage pregnancies and STIs. It pains me to see patients leaving the centre without condoms.
“We will appreciate donations of condoms from external donors,” she explained.
Treatment Action Campaign’s Fekile Mtsweni said she is concerned about sex workers as they are the most affected by the shortage of condoms.
“It is sad that they are now resorting to unconventional methods of protection which are putting their health at risk.
“They cannot afford to buy condoms and cannot stay away from working thus they even resort to using plastic bread bags to protect themselves,” she explained.
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Mtsweni added that she fears the increase in STI infections and unwanted pregnancies.
The former MMC of Health in Ekurhuleni, PR Clr Charlotte Zitha on Friday donated 25 600 packs of condoms at all provincial clinics in Kwa-Thema and Tsakani.
Zitha explained that she first learned about the shortage two months ago.
“I was informed that the shortage is not only in the local clinics but provincial.
“I was told that new service providers were appointed in February and they have since been finalising the artwork on the youth male condoms, which are to be distributed in this new tender,” she explained.
Gauteng Department of Health head of communication Motalatale Modiba confirmed that there has been a delay in the supply of condoms.
“This is because all 21 suppliers had submitted their samples to SABS for approval before they can order bulk stock from their suppliers.
“Of these 21 suppliers, six were approved between June 30 and July 13 and they have reported that they will receive bulk stock from their manufacturers in six to eight weeks,” he explained.
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