A severe shortage of condoms in Igembe, Meru County, has raised health concerns, particularly given the area’s high HIV prevalence. The scarcity has been reported in local health facilities, with authorities warning that this could result in an increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies. Community health workers and HIV prevention advocates have expressed frustration, urging the government to prioritize the supply of condoms to rural areas like Igembe, where the lack of protection can have devastating public health consequences.
The Ministry of Health has acknowledged the shortage but attributed it to logistical challenges in procurement and distribution. Efforts are being made to address the situation, but health experts warn that the delay in replenishing supplies could lead to long-term repercussions. This issue is compounded by a rising population of youth engaging in unsafe sexual practices due to limited access to contraception, with some residents resorting to using traditional, less effective methods to protect themselves
