Condom distribution way off the mark
Problems in the supply chain leading to a serious shortfall
THE GAUTENG Department of Health wants young people to be vigilant about protecting themselves against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
However, the department has fallen 9 million short in its condom distribution. This is because service providers are failing to meet the monthly required quantities due to fluctuations in the exchange rate.
In a meeting held by the health oversight committee in the Gauteng legislature on Friday, it was revealed that instead of 58 million condoms being distributed in the first quarter of the 2015/16 financial year, which covers April to June, only 42 million were distributed.
The shortfall last year was 62 million condoms – only 13 million were distributed, while the target was 193 million.
MEC Qedani Mahlangu said 80 percent of the goods and services procured by the Health Department, which included surgical gloves, bandages and condoms, were imported.
The department’s spokesman, Steve Mabona, said yesterday it would continue to work with the appointed service providers to rectify the situation.
“In an effort to remedy dramatic fluctuations in exchange rates, which sometimes lead to a collapse of the rand, local companies should show that they have the capacity to produce the said products, including condoms, in South Africa. We are convinced this will alleviate this unnecessary pressure,” he said.
Earlier last week, the department had called on young people to go to clinics for a check-up if they believed they had an STI, following a growing incidence of STIs in the province.
According to the department, genital blisters without ulceration, genital ulcers and genital warts were among the most common infections.
“In 2014/15, 18 086 people visited public health facilities with STIs,” the department said. “The incidence of STIs (during this period) was 33.4 percent in males and 66.4 percent in females. The most affected age groups were 25 to 29 years for both males and females.”
STIs among women were higher than men, but the reason could be that more women than men were being tested at clinics.
Commenting on the condom shortfall, DA MPL Jack Bloom said: “Prevention of HIV/Aids is a priority, so the condom supply problem should be fixed as soon as possible. I support MEC Mahlangu in looking for local suppliers who can make up the shortfall.”