Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

In the wake of rising HIV/Aids cases in the country, the government has been urged to address the chronic condoms shortage, a challenge that health stakeholders opine could triple the threats occasioned by unprotected sex.

While the government has continuously stepped-up efforts to control the spread of the disease, recent statistics from National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC) indicate that Kenya has been posting in excess of 32,000 new infections annually, 42 per cent of which occur among youngsters aged between the ages of 15 to 24.

 From the data, at least 30 new infections are registered in the country daily among adolescents, alarming figures that anti-HIV crusaders insist require rapid concerted efforts to save the productive future of the country.

 Among prompt measures required to avert the further spread of the disease is sufficient provision of condoms, which help reduce the probability of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.

New infections

Led by Joab Khasewa, the program officer in charge of HIV prevention at NSDCC, the health stakeholders averred that while abstinence has worked in the fight against new infections before, condoms are central to the country’s effort in preventing the spread of the disease and other sexually transmitted illnesses such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia.

Khasewa said that despite increased awareness, uptake of condoms in the country remains low among young people and reskilling the usage of contraceptives is also key in the fight against HIV and Aids.

Reduce risks

Speaking during celebrations to mark International Condoms Day at Mount Kenya University (MKU) in Thika yesterday, the officer also urged youngsters to consider going for HIV screening to reduce the risks of spreading and or contracting the disease. “We are here to promote condom use which is part of efforts to fight the spread of HIV. Condoms have been proven to be very effective in preventing pregnancies, and contracting related ailments,” said Khasewa.

According to Stanley Ngara, alias ‘king of condoms’ and who has been distributing them for free, the country is facing a shortage of in excess of 200 million condoms yearly.

In a country where the sexually active population continues to increase, Ngara regretted that failure to reverse the scarcity could extremely raise the number of teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections in adolescents, teenagers and young adults.

Ngara called on the government to reduce high import taxes, to make condoms affordable, especially in low-income regions. “The price of condoms is high here in Kenya. You may find a packet containing three condoms going for as high as Sh 100 which not all Kenyans can afford,” said Ngara.

His sentiments were echoed by Margaret Wanjiku Wanyoro, the president in charge of the Youth Advisory Council for Health in Kiambu County who warned that Kenya may lose the gains it has made in the fight against HIV if the shortage of condoms persists. “People engaging in sexual intercourse continue to increase and we should therefore ensure there are enough condoms to meet the demand. It’s unfortunate we may lose the gains we have made if the condom shortage crisis is not addressed with urgency,” stated Wanjiku.

She further said, “Using condoms ensures you are less troubled about infections. Youth need not get themselves into trouble, use protection and make your tomorrow safe”.

During celebrations yesterday, tens of packets of condoms were issued to youths besides undergoing awareness sessions on the proper use of contraceptives.