South Africa struggles with condom shortages

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South Africa, one of the countries hardest hit by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, is struggling with a severe shortage of condoms.

In a press release the Treatment Action Campaign, one of South Africa's largest Aids lobby groups, said that for the past two weeks it has experienced difficulties in accessing an adequate supply of male latex condoms. Usually the TAC distributes over 1 million condoms a month in the Western Cape province alone.

"Our HIV prevention efforts are currently being undermined by a shortage of condoms which we have now confirmed to be a nation-wide problem," the TAC stated in the media release.

According to the organisation, the shortage is due to a delay in awarding the national condom tender which resulted in local suppliers being notified later than expected.

Stock outs are expected to last until the 3rd week in December. In the interim, the national Department of Health has released 7 million condoms to all nine South African  provinces.

The normal supply of condoms to all provinces for one month is 33 million. Therefore, the sum of 7 million condoms dispensed by the first two weeks of December in order to cover current shortages is woefully inadequate.

"This is especially in light of the fact that the festive season is beginning, with concomitant levels of increased mobility and sexual activity," the TAC said.