Tunaumia: Youth advocates raise alarm over biting condom shortage

Homa Bay residents pick condoms at Homa Bay Pier beach during International Condoms Day. [James Omoro, Standard]

Young people are decrying condom shortage in Homa Bay County.

According to Evelyn Ochieng, who advocates for HIV prevention, condoms help many young people to avoid infection with the virus.

Speaking in Oyugis town, during an occasion to mark International Youth Day, Ochieng said many youth who are sexually active risk contracting HIV and other STIs because of the condom shortage.

She said the sexual activities undertaken by the youth predispose them to risks of contracting HIV if they do not use condoms.

“Many young people are sexually active and need to protect themselves,” Ochieng said.

She said the condom shortage should not occur if the government is keen on protecting the youth and future generations.

“Condom supply should not stop at any time. Condoms are significant in promoting our health as young people,” Ochieng said.

Other sexual and reproductive health activists in Homa Bay County also raised the alarm over the shortage of the commodity.

Keep Reading

Residents are worried that the scarcity could impede the response against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The President of the Youth Advocacy Council for Health (YACH) in Homa Bay Mercy Kwamboka says the shortage of condoms puts the lives of residents at risk.

She said the shortage had occurred during holidays when students were on holiday.

Speaking during the International Youth Week Celebration, Kwamboka said many young people are likely to engage in unprotected sex if the shortage persists.

“This is the time condoms are highly needed because most of the youth are at home,” she said.

The youth called on relevant government agencies to address the issue.

“Condoms should be supplied as soon as possible. Dispensers are empty,” Kwamboka said.

But Homa Bay County AIDS and STIs Co-ordinator Omondi Obunga said the situation is not a cause for alarm.

“Condoms may not be enough but residents should not be worried,” Obunga said.

Homa Bay is one the counties with the highest HIV prevalence in Kenya. According to the Kenya Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment report of 2018, Homa Bay is the leading in HIV prevalence at 19.6 per cent.