health

Feb. 17, 2021

LINEO MABEKEBEKE

2 min read

Condoms distribution drops significantly - NAC

Condoms distribution drops significantly - NAC

NAC Communications and Advocacy Manager Teboho Mohlabi

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THE total distribution of condoms in 2020 was 1 355 933 and this has been noted as a significant decline in comparison with the previous years by the National AIDS Commission (NAC).

According to the NAC Communications and Advocacy Manager 

Teboho Mohlabi, although the decline actually began in 2015, the Global Prevention Coalition has however shown that condoms distribution is most extensive in Lesotho and Botswana compared to other countries in the southern African region.

Mr Mohlabi is also in charge of NAC’s HIV communication, advocacy, policy and strategy and coordination of HIV prevention.

Speaking at the International Condom Day that was held virtually on Saturday, he said both male and female  condoms are the only methods of birth control that also help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhea.

“Condoms are dual protection because they help prevent both pregnancy and STD’s, including HIV.

“The National Condom Strategy was revised and updated to include social marketing approaches, new targets and coordinated distribution platforms (National Condom Strategy 2019),” he added.

He lauded the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) for always holding the flag and reminding Basotho about the importance of condom use.

“The AHF always procures condoms of an international standard for Basotho, while ensuring their distribution to hard to reach places and ensuring free health services for its clients,” he also noted.

Speaking at the same event, the AHF Prevention Coordinator Metsing Tšehla said the Ministry of Health is aware that female condoms are excluded from the said promotion and distribution, adding that AHF is therefore working hard to fill that gap.

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He said sometimes these products are stored in facilities for too long and end up expiring, adding that information about female condoms does not always reach the targeted population.

On behalf the Lesotho Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS (LENEPWHA) Rethabile Ralethola said societies are not well informed about vital health information, hence there is a huge vacuum in the distribution of messages and education in the communities.

Mr Ralethola said they still have a lot to do, in respect of conveying information about the proper use of condoms.

As part of celebrating the annual International Condoms Day, AHF and its partners also promoted safer sex, especially among the youth who are the most sexually active members of the society.

 

 

 

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