In a surprising announcement that has elicited public concern, Zimbabwe has revealed that it requires an estimated US$10 million to purchase cond0ms for distribution in the years 2025 and 2026.
This financial need arises from the recent withdrawal of international donor funding, a significant setback for the country’s s3xual health initiatives.
Zimbabwe’s cond0m distribution program operates through three primary channels— the public sector, which offers free c0ndoms; the social sector, where they are sold at a nominal price; and the commercial sector. Historically, the majority of Zimbabweans have relied on the public sector for access to cond0ms, significantly aided by international funding sources.
Recent statistics from the Ministry of Health and Child Care indicate a remarkable increase in condom distribution within the public sector. In 2023 alone, the distribution of male cond0ms rose by more than 6 million units compared to the previous year, showcasing a growing reliance on these contraceptives amid the country’s ongoing battle against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Traditionally, the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund have played pivotal roles in financing Zimbabwe’s public-sector cond0m initiative.
Since their inception in 2007, these entities have provided crucial resources for the procurement and distribution of c0ndoms. However, in a recent development, both organizations have announced their intention to withdraw funding for the cond0m program in 2026, leaving a substantial gap in financial resources.
Ms. Anna Machiya, the national coordinator for STI prevention and c0ndom distribution at the Ministry of Health, has provided insight into the specifics of the funding shortfall. For the year 2025, the Ministry has secured commitments of approximately US$1.96 million from the Global Fund and about US$2.15 million from PEPFAR, leaving a deficit of US$1.8 million specifically for female cond0ms. The situation worsens in 2026, where the Ministry faces an alarming lack of committed funds for both male and female cond0ms, necessitating an urgent US$9.4 million to ensure continued availability.
The Ministry of Health is now actively seeking partnerships and innovative solutions to avert a potential public health crisis as they strive to meet the critical demands of the population.
SOURCE : NEWSREPORTZIM.COM
