Uganda to Run Short of Condoms

The condom coordinator for Uganda's Ministry of Health said her country faces a six-month-long limited supply of condoms. The supply of the government's Engabu condom has been frozen, and free condoms the ministry distributes are running out. The government has 5 million non-Engabu condoms, which is enough for two months, said Vastha Kibirige. The next supply of condoms is expected in six months. Complaints and fears about condom quality that surfaced in September prompted Uganda to tighten approval procedures. About 10 million condoms are stuck in warehouses awaiting government inspections. The National Drugs Authority is reportedly sending condoms to Europe for testing, since the agency does not have its own condom testing equipment yet. "We have condoms in the country and as soon as they are tested, they will be distributed," said the Uganda AIDS Commission's Dr. David Apuuli.

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