Low demand leads to expiry of 50,000 female condoms – NACP

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

He told the Ghana News Agency that the expired condoms were part of large consignments procured to promote safer sex among women, but poor patronage rendered most of them unused.

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

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

“Many women believe that wearing female condoms means they cannot be trusted by their partners, so they would rather rely on male condoms. The desire and interest to use the female condoms are just not there,” he added.

Dr Ashinyo also expressed concern about the misuse of the product.

“Those we targeted to use the condoms sometimes remove the rims and use them to design bangles or clothes. Others say the condom stimulates them too much when worn because of how it fits, which discourages continued use,” he said.

Dr Ashinyo warned that the low usage of condoms, especially among women, undermines 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, it means those secretions come into direct contact during intercourse, increasing the risk of infection,” he explained.

Dr Ashinyo said the lack of demand has affected the supply chain, with pharmacies and public health facilities now stocking only limited quantities.

He called for renewed public education and advocacy to correct misconceptions and promote female condom use as part of national HIV prevention efforts.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 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 like kissing or sharing food.

WHO reports that HIV can be prevented and managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART).

As of July 2025, the virus has claimed an estimated 44.1 million lives globally, with transmission ongoing in all countries.

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, said 15,290 new infections and 12,614 AIDS-related deaths were recorded last year.

He noted a rise in new infections among the youth, attributing it to low condom usage and disregard for the risks of HIV.

To address this, Dr Akanbong said the Commission would soon install condom dispensing machines at transport terminals, stadiums, university campuses, and youth events to encourage uptake.

He emphasised that stigma and discrimination remain major 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 the nation to recognise HIV as a manageable health condition, affirming that people living with HIV deserve dignity, respect, and full participation in society.

Source: GNA