Zimbabwe Crisis: Sex Workers Use Baby Socks Instead of Condoms Due to Shortage
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In Zimbabwe, a serious shortage of condoms has led sex workers in some communities to use baby socks as a substitute. This unusual method is being used in places like Epworth, Mutare, Masvingo, Harare, and Seke, where the shortage is severe.
Precious Musindo, who leads a group called Springs of Life Zimbabwe, spoke to HealthTimes about the situation. “Right now, getting condoms is tough. Since there aren’t enough, we use newborn baby socks instead.
You fold them, put them in, and they stop fluids and sperm,” Musindo explained. These socks are washed and used again, showing how desperate the situation has become.
“As far as I am concerned, there is no shortage of condoms in Zimbabwe. We have enough stocks in the country. The current discussion is focused on condom funding post-2025. For now, there are adequate supplies in the public sector,” he said.
In areas like Komboni Yatsva in Epworth, it’s reported that sex workers are even picking up used baby socks from mothers. This shortage not only risks health but also makes it harder for sex workers to get medical help.
Musindo pointed out that the poor economy often means they earn very little, and some ignore sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to keep working.
Dr. Bernard Madzima, head of the National AIDS Council (NAC), however, claims there is no national shortage of condoms. “We have enough condoms in the country,” he said, mentioning that future funding for condoms after 2025 is currently being discussed.
But funding issues may soon become worse, as major donors like the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund plan to stop funding condom programs by 2026. This could make the current problem even more difficult and threaten health protections for those at risk in Zimbabwe.