Condom Shortage Hits Tanzania, Gov’t Imports 30 Million Condoms

The Government of the East African country has reportedly imported 30 million condoms to help meet the high demands for the contraceptive.

It is reported that the shortage was so massive that prices of the product have also skyrocketed while government’s condom distribution initiative has also taken a nosedive as a result.

“Some shops are selling condoms for 3,000 Tanzanian shillings ($1; £0.78), 5,000 or 10,000 Tanzanian shillings – depending on the brand. Customers must now have their own condoms because we can’t afford to give them out for free,” a hotel worker told BBC Swahili.

Well, there is some good news for the Tanzanians now as their ‘listening’ government has intervened. Assistant Health Minister Dr Faustine Ndugulile revealed that his people can now heave a sigh of relief.

We’ve ordered over 30 million condoms. What changed was the distribution model; previously there were some agencies distributing the condoms but things have changed and we now have new agencies mandated with the distribution.

“What we want to do is ensure the new model works effectively and that awareness campaigns reach those targeted and condoms become available,” he said.