SA HIT BY CONDOM SHORTAGE

Male latex condoms are the most efficient technology there is to reduce the transmission of HIV among sexually active South Africans. For the past two weeks the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) has experienced difficultly in accessing an adequate supply of condoms. TAC distributes over 1 million condoms a month in the Western Cape alone. Our HIV prevention efforts are currently being undermined by a shortage of condoms which we have now confirmed to be a nation-wide problem.

Sources from the Department of Health allege that the shortage is due to a delay in awarding the national condom tender which resulted in local suppliers being notified later than expected. This delay has resulted in provincial and district stock outs where supply from the last tender has run out and supplies from the new tender have yet to arrive.