Experts Warn Public against Declining Condom Use

Health experts are concerned about the decline in condom use, despite condoms being a vital tool in preventing HIV.

Martha Mbabazi from AIDS Healthcare Foundation Uganda Cares notes that the decline is worrying, especially since condoms are still the most effective method of preventing HIV, STIs, and unintended pregnancies.

“Everyone is running away from using condoms. But we want to remind everyone that a condom still plays a pivotal role in prevention,” Mbabazi says.

The concern comes as Uganda prepares to mark International Condom Day, on February 13th, preceding Valentine’s Day in Lukaya, Kanungu district. Mbabazi says as part of the commemoration, a wellness center is set to be launched in Lukaya, Kalungu district, to provide STI screening and treatment.

To promote condom use, the Ministry of Health and AHF Uganda Cares have launched a nationwide campaign, including community outreach, media engagements, and free condom distribution. 

Dr. Charles Olaro, Acting Director General of Health Services, emphasized the importance of condom use, saying that condoms offer triple protection against HIV, STIs, and unintended pregnancies.

“Using condoms is crucial in preventing STIs like chlamydia, which can lead to infertility if left untreated. If you get chlamydia, the tubes get blocked, and then you will not be able to have children. You will have to spend more money on in-vitro fertilization when you could have prevented it by simply using a condom,” warned Dr. Olaro

Dr. Robert Mutumba, Program Manager of the AIDS Control Programme at the Ministry of Health, emphasized that condoms are part of a broader HIV prevention strategy.

“We have not dropped our ABC strategy, but condoms particularly come in to complement the rest of other HIV combination prevention methods,” said Mutumba

The Ministry of Health assures the public that government-provided condoms are of good quality and undergo rigorous testing. 

Mutumba said with 90 million condoms in stock, the government aims to ensure last-mile distribution, making condoms available to those who need them.