Low Demand Leads to Expiry of Nearly 50,000 Female Condoms – NACP

Dr. Anthony Ashinyo, Deputy Programme Manager of the National AIDS/STI Control Programme, has revealed that nearly 50,000 female condoms stocked by the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) expired due to low public demand.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Dr. Ashinyo explained that the expired condoms were part of large consignments procured to promote safer sex among women, but poor patronage meant most of them were never used.

“We bought a lot of female condoms in the past, but they were not being used. Over time, they expired, and we had to dispose of them. Now, procurement is done in smaller quantities because the demand is not there,” he said.

He attributed the low usage to cultural and social perceptions that discourage women from embracing the product.

“Many women believe that using female condoms implies they cannot be trusted by their partners, so they prefer male condoms. The desire and interest to use female condoms are simply lacking,” he added.

Dr. Ashinyo also expressed concern about the misuse of female condoms, noting that some women remove the rims to create accessories such as bangles or clothing decorations. Others, he said, complain that the product causes excessive stimulation, discouraging continued use.

He warned that the low uptake of condoms, especially among women, undermines national efforts to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.

“Condoms serve as a biomedical protective tool that collects secretions containing viruses. When people don’t use them, those secretions come into direct contact during intercourse, increasing the risk of infection,” he explained.

According to him, the decline in demand has also affected the supply chain, with pharmacies and public health facilities now stocking only limited quantities. He called for renewed public education and advocacy to dispel misconceptions and promote female condom use as part of national HIV prevention strategies.

The World Health Organization (WHO) explains that HIV attacks the body’s immune system and, if untreated, can progress to AIDS—the most advanced stage of infection. It spreads through body fluids such as blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal fluids, but not through casual contact, kissing, or sharing food. HIV can be prevented and managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART).

As of July 2025, WHO estimates that HIV has claimed about 44.1 million lives globally, with transmission continuing in all regions.

In Ghana, the 2024 National and Sub-National HIV and AIDS Estimates and Projections Report indicates that approximately 334,721 people are living with HIV. Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, reported 15,290 new infections and 12,614 AIDS-related deaths last year.

He noted a rise in new infections among young people, attributing it to low condom use and a general disregard for the risks of HIV.

To address this, Dr. Akanbong said the Commission plans to install condom dispensing machines at transport terminals, stadiums, university campuses, and youth events to encourage uptake. He emphasised that stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers to ending AIDS.

“A person living with HIV still fears disclosure, still fears ostracism, and still fears for their future. We must challenge this,” he said.

Dr. Akanbong urged Ghanaians to recognise HIV as a manageable health condition, affirming that people living with HIV deserve dignity, respect, and full participation in society.

Source: GNA