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Zimbabwe has adequate condom stocks
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False and misleading reports about a shortage of condoms in Zimbabwe have been circulating on social media and some international media outlets, creating unnecessary concern over the country's HIV prevention efforts.
The misinformation gained traction following an AFP report titled "US aid cuts force Zimbabwe sex workers to use unsafe alternatives", published on September 15, 2025. The article quoted a sex worker claiming she had resorted to using "baby socks" due to condom stockouts. Some anti-government organisations then sensationalised this claim with headlines suggesting a worsening crisis.
Health experts and the National AIDS Council (NAC) have refuted these claims, describing them as exaggerated and misleading. "Baby socks are painful, dangerous, and ineffective for preventing HIV or other sexually transmitted infections," said a Harare-based doctor.
Dr Bernard Madzima, NAC CEO, confirmed that Zimbabwe currently has sufficient stocks of condoms. "There is no shortage of condoms in Zimbabwe. We have adequate supplies in the public sector for now and into the foreseeable future," he said. While there were isolated stock-outs early this year following the cessation of US health aid, these were temporary and largely due to speculation rather than an actual shortage.
Condom distribution continues robustly. According to NAC, 27 855 015 male condoms and 601 878 female condoms were distributed in the second quarter of 2025. Female condoms are reportedly in surplus, and the public is encouraged to use them.
Zimbabwe also has the capacity to ensure condom quality. The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) operates specialised testing equipment, including air inflation testers, dimensional measuring tools, defect detection, and seal integrity machines. These systems ensure compliance with ISO and WHO standards, safeguarding public health.
The NAC emphasised that spreading accurate, evidence-based information is critical to countering stigma and misinformation that could undermine HIV prevention efforts.
Claims that sex workers are using baby socks due to a condom shortage are false and sensationalised. Zimbabwe has adequate condom stocks, ongoing distribution, and testing capacity, ensuring that HIV prevention efforts remain effective.
The misinformation gained traction following an AFP report titled "US aid cuts force Zimbabwe sex workers to use unsafe alternatives", published on September 15, 2025. The article quoted a sex worker claiming she had resorted to using "baby socks" due to condom stockouts. Some anti-government organisations then sensationalised this claim with headlines suggesting a worsening crisis.
Health experts and the National AIDS Council (NAC) have refuted these claims, describing them as exaggerated and misleading. "Baby socks are painful, dangerous, and ineffective for preventing HIV or other sexually transmitted infections," said a Harare-based doctor.
Dr Bernard Madzima, NAC CEO, confirmed that Zimbabwe currently has sufficient stocks of condoms. "There is no shortage of condoms in Zimbabwe. We have adequate supplies in the public sector for now and into the foreseeable future," he said. While there were isolated stock-outs early this year following the cessation of US health aid, these were temporary and largely due to speculation rather than an actual shortage.
Condom distribution continues robustly. According to NAC, 27 855 015 male condoms and 601 878 female condoms were distributed in the second quarter of 2025. Female condoms are reportedly in surplus, and the public is encouraged to use them.
Zimbabwe also has the capacity to ensure condom quality. The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) operates specialised testing equipment, including air inflation testers, dimensional measuring tools, defect detection, and seal integrity machines. These systems ensure compliance with ISO and WHO standards, safeguarding public health.
The NAC emphasised that spreading accurate, evidence-based information is critical to countering stigma and misinformation that could undermine HIV prevention efforts.
Claims that sex workers are using baby socks due to a condom shortage are false and sensationalised. Zimbabwe has adequate condom stocks, ongoing distribution, and testing capacity, ensuring that HIV prevention efforts remain effective.
Source - The Herald
