Uganda joined the global community on 13th February to commemorate International Condom Day, an occasion aimed at raising awareness about the role of condoms in preventing HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancies.
Dr. Mutumba Robert of the Ministry of Health reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting condom use as a key public health intervention. He dismissed misconceptions that the initiative encourages immorality, emphasising that it is a necessary strategy in the fight against STIs and other related health challenges.
Addressing concerns over the quality of condoms available in the country, Dr. Mutumba assured the public that all batches undergo rigorous testing before distribution. He explained that condoms are first assessed at manufacturing plants and later subjected to further tests by the National Drug Authority and other regulatory bodies upon arrival in Uganda.
“To ensure accessibility, we have established a robust last-mile distribution system that guarantees condoms reach even the most remote communities,” Dr. Mutumba said. He acknowledged the support of development partners such as the Global Fund in sustaining this effort. According to the Ministry of Health, Uganda currently has 90 million condoms in stock, which are expected to last for approximately five months. He noted that continuous monitoring and proactive planning would prevent any shortages.
Dr. Mutumba further highlighted the Ministry’s broader approach to HIV prevention, which integrates multiple strategies. He reiterated the importance of abstinence and faithfulness to one uninfected partner, alongside promoting safe male circumcision, which has been proven to reduce the risk of HIV infection by up to 60%. Expectant mothers were also encouraged to attend antenatal care at health facilities, where they can undergo HIV testing and receive treatment to prevent mother-to-child transmission of both HIV and hepatitis B.
The Ministry of Health is also advancing the use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals at high risk of contracting HIV. The preventive medication, available in oral or injectable form, targets those in high-risk groups to reduce new infections.
Dr. Mutumba commended the media for its role in disseminating accurate health information and countering misinformation. He stressed that journalists and broadcasters are essential partners in ensuring public awareness on HIV prevention.
As Uganda marks this year’s International Condom Day, Dr. Mutumba called for a renewed commitment from all stakeholders—government agencies, development partners, community leaders, and individuals—to strengthen efforts in combating HIV and STIs. He emphasised that sustained education, access to preventive tools, and collective action remain crucial in reducing new infections and promoting a healthier future for Ugandans.
