Sun, 25 Feb 2018 09:35:56 +0000
By OLIVER SAMBOKO
Free condoms distributed by the Government are being sold at K3 each or in exchange for fish, in Siavonga.
Shop owners in the area apparently collect the condoms from the clinics and other outlets, thereby creating an artificial shortage, forcing residents to buy at inflated prices.
Siavonga has among the highest prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS at 14.9 percent but which some organisations working in the area put at more than 16.5 percent.
The development has raised some concern among locals who say it was negatively affecting the fight against HIV/AIDS and birth control in the area.
One resident complained that the people in the area are unable to access free condoms at rural health centres because of crooked traders.
“Instead of receiving the condoms free of charge, we are forced to buy from Tuntembas (small home shops) at very high prices,” complained Mr. Given Chadukwa, a fisherman of Manchavya lakeshore area on Lake Kariba. He called on Government to bring to book the culprits who are frustrating its effort to eliminate HIV/AIDS.
Mr. Chadukwa queried why condoms were unavailable in rural areas and where they were accessible, they were being sold at high prices beyond the reach of many.
He blamed the situation on the economic challenges in rural areas and called on law enforcement agents to bring to book those who were selling free Government condoms.
Meanwhile, a source at Sivonga District Hospital has disclosed that some condoms which Government distributes to the public for free are reportedly being used by unscrupulous individuals to make floor polish. The source said the condom abuse has resulted in the rise of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the rural parts of the district.
“It is not Government policy that those condoms must be sold. In fact, we have a distribution network in every area done by health workers that all clinics and other health facilities as well as public places should have condoms which should be easily accessible.
“However, because of the economic situation where everyone is trying to make money through anything, we have had reports that people are selling those condoms. That is not permissible and we call on relevant law enforcement authorities to take action,” said the source.
