Condom uptake on the rise

The National Aids Council has installed 400 condom dispensers at tertiary institutions, hospitals, hotels, drinking spots and other public places across Zimbabwe as part of efforts to curb the spread of HIV.

More units are expected in the coming year, with public vehicles and service stations identified as possible sites.

Zimbabwe has the highest condom uptake in Eastern and Southern Africa.

According to the NAC 2017 annual report, female condoms had an uptake of 4,6 million against 109 million male condoms.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail, NAC communications officer Ms Tadiwa Nyatanga-Pfupa said of the dispensers: "Research and feasibility studies were conducted to ascertain the best positions to place the machines. The targeted population stressed the need to preserve privacy when accessing condoms."

NAC Chivi District Aids Co-ordinator Mr Jonathan Mashingaidze said about 4 000 condoms can be dispensed within an hour at Chivi Growth Point, which has the highest HIV prevalence rate (14 percent) in Masvingo province.

Health and Child Care Ministry statistics show that Matebeleland South has the highest prevalence rate in Zimbabwe (21 percent), followed by Matabeleland North (17,6), Mashonaland East (15, 2), Midlands (15) and Bulawayo (14,3), Mashonaland West (13,2), Masvingo and Harare (12,8), Mashonaland Central (11,9) and Manicaland (10,5).

The national prevalence rate is 14 percent.