Tanzanian city ‘running low on condoms’

Tanzania’s south-western city of Mbeya is running out of condoms, councillors have warned – according to the country’s Mwananchi newspaper.

The issue was reportedly raised at a meeting of Mbeya City Council on Friday with the gathering being told that there had been a shortage in bars and other places of entertainment for about four months.

Fears were expressed that this could lead to a rise in HIV/Aids infections.

“Right now we are in the process of tackling the Aids epidemic but there are no condoms at the centres, now what are we preventing?” Councillor Adam Hussein is quoted as saying.

But health official, Dr Jonas Lulandala, tried to reassure the councillors, Mwananchi says.

He agreed distribution had been a problem in February and March – but this had been resolved and condoms would soon be available again.

When used correctly, condoms can be up to 95% effective at preventing the transmission of HIV, studies have found.