Amid the Crisis in Zimbabwe, Condom Prices Surge Despite HIV Battle
Amid the Crisis in Zimbabwe, Condom Prices Surge Despite HIV Battle
Amid the crisis in Zimbabwe, the price of condoms has reached new heights, exacerbating the challenges of battling HIV.
The price hike has stirred concern among Zimbabwean citizens. This increase is attributed to the withdrawal of funding by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which has severely impacted the availability of affordable condoms. As a result, public health is at risk, and many citizens have been affected.
According to data gathered by iHarare, the lowest price for a packet of condoms is now $1.50, while other sellers charge between $3.20 and $3.30 per packet.
The price surge stems from the withdrawal of funds by USAID, which previously supplied 98% of condoms in Zimbabwe, both for sale and free distribution.
Due to this shift, local brands such as PSH’s Protector Plus have been seriously affected by rising costs.
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In January 2024, two packets of Protector Plus cost just $1. Today, a single packet costs 150% more. Efforts to reduce costs—including a proposal by Population Solutions for Health (PSH) to remove VAT and import duties—have not yet been implemented.
The rising prices have caused fear among citizens, raising serious public health concerns such as increased risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Zimbabwe continues to have one of the highest HIV rates globally.
