AIDS prevalence in Uganda has decreased from 7.3 to 6 per cent and public health experts in the country say the downward trend is mainly attributed to increased condom use.
Health Minister Ruth Jane Aceng in an interview said more Ugandans had embraced the use of protection during intercourse, and that compounded with other prevention measures led to a decrease in AIDS prevalence in the East African country.
“Since the introduction of combined prevention, there has been an increase in the use of condoms among the population. Government has endeavoured to provide free condoms and this has cut down the prevalence of AIDS in the country,” local Daily Monitor quotes Aceng.
The minister also noted that with an increase in condom use, their prices had shot up as more manufacturers ventured into better branding.
“The moment branding comes into anything, then the prices are likely to escalate beyond normal. We are happy that more people have appreciated the protective measure. Those who have the money can go ahead and buy the branded condoms as long as they protect themselves,” she said.
Aceng’s comments came as the world marked the International Condom Day. The day seeks to promote the use of condoms as a means of preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Both male and female condoms are available in the market across the world, though the latter is not used as much as the male condom.
International Condom Day is celebrated just before Valentines Day.
