KEETMANSHOOP: Keetmanshoop residents are feeling the effects of a condom shortage at the National Social Marketing Programme (Nasoma), which has resulted in an absence of affordable condoms at outlets for about five months now.
Cool Ryder and Sense condoms were last distributed across the country in February 2012, as there have been issues with the financial support of the programme by the Global Fund.
Keetmanshoop residents who cannot afford the more expensive brands which go for between N.dollars 25 and N.dollars 30, are now dependent on Smile condoms which are distributed for free at some shebeens, the Keetmanshoop State Hospital and clinics.
Cool Ryder and Sense condoms by comparison sell for about N.dollars 8 for a packet of three.
Nasoma is the national distributor of the two affordable brands and ensure availability, accessibility and affordability of male and female condoms in Namibia.
Nasoma Director Juliet Mudabeti told Nampa upon enquiry Wednesday that they have stopped supplying condoms as there are no funds available to purchase stock.
“The Global Fund, our donor, has not been giving us funds to buy and distribute the products. But we are in discussions with the Ministry of Health and Social Services to remedy the situation,” she said.
Mudabeti also noted that all Cool Ryder and Sense condoms that were distributed by February this year have already expired.
The Nasoma director however, declined to give further details on why support from the Global Fund has stopped.
“It is a national problem; people have been calling our office to complain, asking why there are no condoms at their towns. The last stock that was distributed expired in April already, so it is advisable that people take them off the shelves and not sell them,” another Nasoma official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said on Wednesday.
KZN Take Away owner Elize Compaan told the agency that a lot of clients walk out of her business disappointed after being told there are no condoms available.
“It is not good that every time customers come and ask you, you tell them there is no stock,” she said.