Zimbabwe is grappling with a severe shortage of condoms following the U.S. administration’s recent suspension of HIV/AIDS funding to developing countries. This funding freeze has led to a significant increase in condom prices, making them unaffordable for many and raising concerns about a potential surge in HIV infections.
The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has been a crucial source of support for Zimbabwe, providing over $1.7 billion since 2006 to bolster health systems and assist those living with HIV. The abrupt cessation of this aid has disrupted the supply chain of essential medical supplies, including condoms, which are vital for HIV prevention.
Local health advocates warn that the condom scarcity could reverse the progress made in combating HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe, a country already heavily burdened by the epidemic. The situation is exacerbated by the U.S. administration’s broader withdrawal from global health initiatives, including its exit from the World Health Organization, which threatens to further undermine health programs across Africa.
