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Chikwawa DHO distributes 5m condoms yearly—figures

Chikwawa District Health Office (DHO) says the district’s hospital distributes five million male condoms every year.

But figures show that Chikwawa District Hospital distributed less than 50 000 female condoms last year, a situation officials have described as worrisome.

The development came to light when Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) conducted a condom promotion activity at Bereu on Sunday.

Condom awareness campaign in progress at Bereu

Chikwawa DHO condom coordinator Mphatso Bukhu said the trend has the potential to jeopardise Ministry of Health’s efforts under the Last Mile Initiative, whose aim is to ensure that condoms are distributed to all parts of the district.

He said: “From experts’ point of view, condoms are one reliable means of preventing HIV and Aids, unplanned pregnancies as well as sexually transmitted infections.

“The sad development is that more women shun accessing condoms, resulting in increased cases of unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections [STIs] and HIV and Aids.”

Bukhu urged women to speak out and demand the use of condoms as they are rights holders in as far as sex is concerned.

He hailed partners in the district such as AHF for supporting government’s efforts in ensuring that condoms are easily accessible.

AHF prevention officer for Southern Malawi Jacob Pidini said the condom promotion activity was aimed at reminding communities that condoms are one effective way of curbing STIs, unplanned pregnancies and HIV and Aids.

Since 2018, AHF supports eight health facilities in Chikwawa and distributes Icon Gold and Love condom brands.

Bwabwali Ward councillor Gerald Bede said the disparities in condom distribution calls for an improved uptake, especially among women.

He said: “Bereu is developing and has many things happening.

“To my fellow youths, be agents of change and let us take up the messages across.”

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