Zimbabwe dey face serious public health crisis as condom prices don rise to record levels.
Di cheapest option now cost $1.50 per packet, while others dey priced between $3.20 and $3.30.
USAID funding ban caused the surge
Di price surge follow di suspension of USAID funding due to executive order by former U.S. President Donald Trump. USAID previously supply 98% of Zimbabwe’s condoms, both for sale and free distribution.
Panic in Zimbabwe as C+ndom Prices Skyrocket Following the Halt of HIV Funding by Trump
Zimbabwe is battling a worsening public health crisis as c+ndom prices soar to record levels. pic.twitter.com/ntoHKIFV2w
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) January 30, 2025
Local brands severely impacted
Local brands like PSH’s Protector Plus, wey operate on cost-recovery basis, don be severely impacted. In January 2024, two packets of Protector Plus cost just $1. Today, a single packet cost 150% more.
Efforts to reduce costs not acted upon
Efforts to reduce costs, including proposal by Population Solutions for Health (PSH) to remove VAT and import duties, no be acted upon. Di rising prices pose serious public health risks, particularly in Zimbabwe’s fight against HIV/AIDS.
Condoms become less affordable, HIV transmission risk increase
As condoms become less affordable, di country face increased threat of HIV transmission and other sexual transmitted infections. Di situation dey serious, and di government need to take urgent action to address di issue.
