Zimbabwe is facing a worsening public health crisis as the cost of condoms has surged to record levels in retail stores across the country.
The price of condoms has dramatically increased, with the most affordable option, Protector Plus, now selling for nearly $1.50 per packet.
This price surge is largely attributed to the halt in USAID funding, which previously supported Zimbabwe’s condom program.
The situation worsened when former US President Donald Trump cut HIV funding, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
As a result, Zimbabwe’s condom market is facing a significant shortage, with a deficit of 15 million condoms.
The country’s reliance on donor funding for its national condom program has exacerbated the issue.
Health officials and advocates are calling for the removal of import duty and value-added tax (VAT) on condoms to make them more affordable and accessible to the population.
