Zimbabwe is facing a severe public health crisis as condom prices reach record highs across the country. A recent survey by iHarare revealed that the cheapest condom brand, Protector Plus, now costs nearly $1.50 per packet, while Fantasy condoms are priced at $3.20, and the popular Carex brand costs $3.30.
The price hike is attributed to the suspension of USAID funding, following an executive order signed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
This order cut foreign aid, including USAID’s support for Zimbabwe, which had previously supplied 98% of the country’s condoms, both for retail and free distribution. Local brands like PSH’s Protector Plus, which were sold on a cost-recovery basis, have been hit particularly hard by the funding shortfall.
The impact is stark: in January 2024, two packets of Protector Plus condoms could be purchased for $1, but today, a single packet costs 150% more, making condoms unaffordable for many Zimbabweans.
Last year, Population Solutions for Health (PSH) urged the government to remove value-added tax (VAT) and import duties on condoms to address the rising prices, but no action has been taken. The suspension of USAID funding has only worsened the situation.
This surge in prices threatens public health, particularly in Zimbabwe’s ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.
As condoms become less accessible, the country faces an increased risk of HIV transmission and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), exacerbating an already critical health issue in a nation with one of the highest HIV prevalence rates globally.
