The cost of condoms in Zimbabwe has surged due to the halt in U.S. foreign aid. Prices for popular brands like Protector Plus and Fantasy have increased by up to 150%, threatening public health efforts to control HIV and STIs. Calls for government action on tax relief remain unanswered.
Zimbabwe is grappling with a public health challenge as the price of condoms has surged, making them unaffordable for many citizens. This price hike follows the cessation of crucial U.S. foreign aid, particularly funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which had previously supported condom procurement and distribution. In 2023, a packet of Protector Plus, one of the most affordable condom brands, cost just $0.50, but it is now priced at nearly $1.50—an increase of over 150%. Other brands like Fantasy and Carex have also seen price increases, with their prices rising to around $3 per packet.
The U.S. foreign aid cut, resulting from former President Donald Trump's executive order on foreign assistance, has had a significant impact on condom availability in Zimbabwe. USAID had funded approximately 98% of condom supplies in the country, both for sale and for free distribution. Local organizations, including Population Solutions for Health (PSH), have been advocating for the Zimbabwean government to remove taxes on condoms to make them more affordable. However, the government has not yet responded to these pleas.
This price increase presents a major obstacle in the fight against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, particularly in a country with one of the highest HIV prevalence rates globally. The rising cost of condoms is putting vulnerable populations at greater risk, raising serious concerns about Zimbabwe’s ability to control the spread of these diseases.
