A severe shortage of condoms has hit Rwanda, making it challenging for people to access them, particularly in public venues where they were previously freely distributed. The scarcity and high cost of condoms have raised concerns about the potential increase in unprotected sex, especially among young people. According to Habimana John, a retail shop operator in Kabagali Cell, Kacyiru district, it is now rare for customers to ask for condoms.
The cost of condoms has increased significantly, with a packet of three locally made condoms rising from Rwf300 to Rwf500. Imported brands, such as Life Guard, are even more expensive, costing between Rwf1,000 and Rwf1,500. Habimana attributed the shortage and high prices to limited supply and changing perceptions about HIV prevention. He expressed concern that low-income people may be particularly vulnerable due to the lack of affordable condoms.
The introduction of a 6-month preventive jab for HIV has been widely advertised, but its availability is limited, and it may not be accessible to everyone. Kazungu, a mason in Kabagali, noted that the existence of one HIV prevention method does not eliminate the need for other prevention measures. He emphasized that it is impossible to verify whether one's partner has received the injection, making condoms still essential.
A nurse experienced in HIV care confirmed that there is a shortage of condoms in some health facilities, attributing it to funding reductions. The nurse stated that patients who previously received condoms for free at hospitals no longer have access to them because organizations that used to supply them stopped when funding stopped.
However, the nurse rejected claims that the introduction of the 6-month prevention injection is the cause of the condom shortage. The nurse noted that most hospitals do not have the injectable prevention option yet, and therefore, it cannot be the reason for the shortage. Health facilities continue to have antiretroviral medicines, but the injectable prevention option is not widely available.
Rwanda's fight against HIV has relied heavily on government commitment and international donor support. However, as external funding comes under pressure, the country's HIV response is beginning to feel the strain, particularly in prevention. The impact is being noticed in health facilities and communities where condoms and other prevention supplies are becoming harder to find.
According to UNAIDS, in the 2023-2024 financial year, the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) accounted for 37.7% of Rwanda's total HIV expenditure, while the Global Fund contributed 50.8%. The heavy reliance on external financing raises concerns about how Rwanda will maintain its gains if donor support continues to decline. A model study estimated that eliminating PEPFAR funding could create a funding gap of about $60 million and put progress in HIV epidemic control at risk.
Key points
- The shortage and high cost of condoms in Rwanda may lead to an increase in unprotected sex, particularly among low-income individuals.
- The introduction of a 6-month preventive jab for HIV has not alleviated the need for condoms, as it is not widely available and does not eliminate the need for other prevention measures.
- The decline in external funding for HIV programs in Rwanda may compromise the country's progress in controlling the HIV epidemic.
