Govt probed on capacity to produce condoms

Hwange East legislator Joseph Bonda has called on the government to clarify Zimbabwe's capacity to locally produce condoms, following the United States' work stop order that cancelled donor funding to several African countries.

Bonda raised the issue during a recent parliamentary question-and-answer session, urging the state to pursue self-sufficiency in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

"My follow-up question is: HIV outbreak started in 1980. We are actually around 45/47 years. Does the government have any plans to produce at least a condom that is proudly written 'Produced in Zimbabwe'? So that at least, we cannot just depend on foreign aid, as we are moving towards self-sustainability and we should produce our own things in the country," Bonda said.

In response, Deputy Minister of Health and Childcare Sleiman Kwidini acknowledged the historical context and welcomed private sector involvement.

"Yes, it is true, the first case of HIV was identified here in Zimbabwe in 1987, although it had already been identified somewhere else. On issues of production of condoms, it will be very good for industrialists or people who want to do business, so that as a Ministry, we can procure from them," Kwidini said.

He added that direct production by the Ministry would be burdensome, but encouraged investment and innovation from local entrepreneurs.

"I believe the Hon. Member will also assist us to come up with these noble ideas to lure the investors who want to come, or our own people to maybe try to manufacture condoms locally," he said.