Health experts are urging the public to embrace condom use as a vital tool in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies,as Uganda joins the global community in observing International Condom Day.
The national commemoration does focus on raising awareness and encouraging safe sexual practices.
Health officials are particularly concerned about the low usage of condoms despite the country’s stockpile of 90 million units, which is estimated to last for six months.
Dr. Mutumba Robert of the AIDS Control Programme emphasised the importance of accessibility and adoption. “Condoms remain a key tool in the fight against STIs and unintended pregnancies. We need to ensure they are widely available and used correctly,” he said.
Martha Mbabazi from Uganda Cares echoed this sentiment, urging the government to prioritise funding for condom distribution. Uganda Cares contributes six million condoms to the national stockpile. “We encourage abstinence, but we also recognise reality. People need access to condoms to protect themselves,” she stated.
Despite Uganda’s efforts in promoting safe sex, condom use has reportedly declined, with many turning to alternative prevention methods such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). However, Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services, warned that condoms remain essential, particularly in preventing infections such as Chlamydia, which can lead to infertility in women.
Relatedly health officials are reinforcing the importance of protection, highlighting that 40% of pregnancies in Uganda are unplanned. “Condoms offer a simple, effective way to prevent this while also reducing STI transmission,” Dr. Olaro noted.