Low usage of the female condom in Uganda is becoming a major concern for health officials. After a successful campaign to reduce HIV and Aids in the country, prevalence rates have started to rise again.
While the male condom is a success story, the female ones are struggling, especially among men, largely due to cultural biases.
Health officials are now worried that these sentiments could reverse the country’s gains in the fight against HIV and Aids.
Recent government statistics show a reversal in HIV prevalence rates from 6.4% previously to 7.3% currently
Culturally in Uganda, men tend to make the decisions regarding sex. This is something that activists say has exposed women more to the virus.
HIV prevention campaigners believe that empowering women and encouraging them to use female condoms will help them to protect themselves.
Experts say if the country is to roll back rising HIV prevalence, the female condom must be a major part of Uganda’s HIV prevention strategy.
