The City of Joburg’s Health department is almost halfway through its target of distributing 94 million free condoms before the end of this financial year.
To give some perspective, just over 33, 6 million male and female condoms were delivered to our resident during the 2015-2016 financial year.
The intention is to promote condom use among those that are sexually active, especially with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) prevailing.
Since high volumes of condoms are distributed, the City is sometimes faced with inadequate supplies from the National Department of Health, which then breaks the chain of delivery of condoms to our various outlets. However, stock is ordered on a regular basis.
South Africa has the largest HIV epidemic and fastest growing epidemic in the world. A strategic outcome detailed in the Growth and Development Strategy of the City is “improved quality of life and development-driven resilience for all”.
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Health and Social Development, Councillor Mpho Phalatse said the City has committed to the 2017 - 2022 National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STI (NSP) through ensuring “a fit city characterised by healthy living for all”.
By the beginning of this Valentine’s Day week, which also is STI/Condom Week (marked annually between 11 - 15 February), 45.7 million government approved male and female condoms had been handed out to residents during health education campaigns conducted by health workers throughout the year.
STI/Condom Week also forms part of Sexual and Reproductive Health Month activities taking place in February, which the City actively participates in by way of awareness events.
The condoms are also distributed at health facilities, workplaces, shebeens and non-profit organisations working with the City and at other relevant outlets to meet this target.
During door-to-door campaigns, health workers share information on sexually transmitted infections, proper use of condoms, distribute pamphlets, do HIV testing and counselling.
Phalatse has encouraged all sexually active residents to visit their nearest clinic to pick up free condoms - and learn more about STIs.
“While condoms are not 100% safe in preventing unwanted pregnancies and STIs, consistent and correct use of condoms has been shown to significantly reduce the risks. We will also continue to encourage abstinence where possible, and faithfulness to one partner for those who are sexually active, while making condoms freely available at all our facilities to secure the wellbeing of our valued residents,” said Phalatse.
Observations noted by the City’s health department reveal that the scented coloured male condoms seem to be more popular than the original unscented condoms distributed. Female condoms are not very popular. To improve the use of female condoms, a scented version of female condoms has now been made available.
Facts about condoms:
• Check the expiration date on the package.
• Do not use condoms that are already opened, torn or expired.
• Use only condoms that are made of latex or polyurethane (plastic).
• Do not use condoms made of animal skin.
• Use a pre-lubricated condom to help prevent it from tearing. put a little bit of water-based lubricant (“lube”) outside the condom.
• Do not keep condoms in a place that can get very hot, like in a car. If you keep a condom in your wallet or purse, be sure you replace it with a new one regularly
• Do not use male and female condoms together ( at the same time)
• Do not reuse condoms
For media queries, please contact:
Lesego Mathibela
Stakeholder Manager, Office of the MMC for Health and Social Development
Call: (011) 4076725 OR 061 497 8286
E-mail: LesegoMat@joburg.org.za
