Gauteng experiencing a drastic shortage of condoms

According to Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko  the department has been experiencing a huge shortage of male and female condoms in all its districts.

“Contract RT75_condom suppliers didn’t have stock to deliver to Province from the inception of the new contract in February 2022 as suppliers were awaiting SABS sample approval prior ordering bulk stock from the manufacturers.” “This is ongoing in all five districts and suppliers who have completed deliveries of their annual allocated stock still have excess stock mandated to continue with deliveries,” she said.

Gauteng Shadow Health MEC Jack Bloom said in the last five there were 189 million male condoms and 7.3 million female condoms were distributed in Gauteng, but this has fallen drastically, with only 14.7 million male condoms and 1.2 million female condoms distributed from January to March this year. This amounts to an annual total of 58.8 million male condoms and 5 million female condoms.

Bloom added that since the high point of condom distribution in 2017/18, there has been a downward trend in the number of condoms distributed. In 2021/22 only 129 million male condoms and 5.2 million female condoms were distributed- a 45% decline.

‘It is disgraceful that a common item like condoms are in short supply in Gauteng. They have a vital role to play in family planning as well as prevention of HIV/Aids and other STIs.’

“We need to get the basic right in healthcare in the province, which includes proper contract management so that reliable and cost-effective suppliers are always chosen, rather than companies that don’t deliver,” he said.