/ 17 March 2004

Tanzania running out of condoms

Tanzania’s National Aids Control Programme (NACP) has called for increased donour assistance to replenish stocks of condoms, saying a looming shortage could adversely affect campaigns against HIV/Aids.

”We are worried that we may experience a crisis next year because not a single donour has so far pledged to fund importation of condoms,” said NACP Director Roland Swai on Wednesday.

Swai said Tanzania’s demand of condoms was between 45-million and 50-million annually.

He said about $14-million was needed annually for condoms.

Official government records say between eight and 10% of Tanzania’s 34,5 – million population is HIV-positive. – Sapa-AFP