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Tag: condoms

  • 5 strategies to safely wear a condom

    5 strategies to safely wear a condom

    The President of the Ghana HIV/AIDS Network, Ernest Amoabeng Ortsin, has emphasized the importance of condoms as a highly effective means of preventing sexually transmitted infections.

    He stressed that prioritizing protection against HIV/AIDS is crucial in curbing the alarming annual infection rates.

    “Over 10,000 people die every year due to the disease,” he stated.

    Ortsin also highlighted key considerations when using condoms and encouraged young people to adopt safe practices if engaging in sexual activity outside of marriage.

    Here are 5 things he highlighted:

    1. Make sure you only wear a condom on a fully erect penis.

    2. Check the expiry dates on the condom. Do not open the condom with your teeth, scissors or a sharp object.

    3. Make sure there is no air in the condom before you wear it.

    4. Do not wear more than one condom at a time.

    5. Dispose off condoms properly after use. Condoms must not be flushed. It is more advisable to dig the ground and bury a used condom.

    He also lamented the government’s role in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Ghana.

    He said no funds were allocated to the Ghana AIDS Commission in the last 8 years.

    He noted that the commission was getting support from the global fund but this also stalled since the funds were reallocated to providing HIV drugs, which are very expensive.

    Speaking in the latest episode of the Health Focus on GhanaWeb TV, with Stella Dziedzorm Sogli, the GHANET president noted: “We don’t see the campaigns because the government is not giving the Ghana AIDS Commission the needed resources. In the past, the Ghana AIDS Commission used to work with NGOs to do the campaigns across the country because the commission didn’t have the resources to do the work.”

    He added, “In the beginning, when the HIV/AIDS Commission was established, the global fund mainly supported the fund in doing the work.”

    GHANET noted that the medications were provided freely to patients because lack of treatment increased the risk of infections.

    Amoabeng said, in this light, that his outfit has embarked on various advocacy drives to move the government to support the work they do to sensitise Ghanaians on HIV/AIDS.

  • AG orders MOH to recoup GHS1.34m in failed delivery of condoms, contraceptives to medical stores

    The Auditor-General is actively pursuing a driver, Joe Gyaten, who was assigned to deliver approximately three million male condoms and other contraceptives valued at GH¢1.34 million to the Regional Medical Stores (RMS) in Eastern Region.

    Despite the scheduled delivery date of August 22, 2022, Gyaten failed to complete the delivery, triggering an investigation under Section 96 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), which mandates accountability for losses or deficiencies in government stores or property.

    In its latest report, the Auditor-General highlighted significant financial irregularities totaling over GH¢2.41 billion across various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) in 2023.

    Notably, GH¢2.06 million of these irregularities were linked to issues in stores and procurement, including the GH¢1.34 million related to the missing contraceptives.

    The audit identified the discrepancy through documentation such as the Temporary Central Medical Stores Requisition and Issue Voucher No. MOH/GHS 308088, dated August 22, 2022. Subsequent investigations confirmed that the contraceptives never arrived at the RMS, raising concerns about possible misappropriation.

    Consequently, the Auditor-General has instructed the Ministry of Health (MOH) to recover the GH¢1.34 million from Gyaten. Failure to comply will hold MOH officials personally liable for the debt, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue.

    The MOH has referred the matter to its Health Intelligence Unit for further investigation, working closely with the Ghana Police Service’s Criminal Investigations Department to address the issue comprehensively.

  • AIDS Commission to distribute free condoms in Kwahu this Easter

    The Ghana AIDS Commission has issued a reminder to Easter revelers in Kwahu to protect themselves with condoms if they engage in sexual activities during the festivities.

    This advice is part of a broader campaign to reduce the spread of HIV, as Kwahu has been identified as a hotspot for HIV transmission.

    Dr. Steve Kyeremeh Atuahene, the Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, stated that as part of efforts to curb the spread of HIV, free condoms will be distributed, and free HIV testing will be available for anyone interested.

    “Events such as the Kwahu Easter festival is a hot spot for HIV transmission and so the commission collaborated with the Ministry of Tourism and we have since been running HIV programmes since Kwahu Easter every year.”

    The Director-General mentioned that the Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, provides services and support to individuals travelling to Kwahu for the Easter festivities.

    “So every year, we set up screening and condom distribution centres in all the three districts within the Kwahu enclave, and at these centres we provide counselling and testing for HIV and other diseases and we also give out free condoms so that those who have romance on their minds should also think of protection,” he said.

  • 70% of men in Ghana do not use condoms during sex – Report

    70% of men in Ghana do not use condoms during sex – Report

    A recent survey by the Ghana Statistical Service has revealed a concerning trend: 7 out of 10 men aged 15-49 in Ghana do not use condoms during sexual activities.

    This revelation not only highlights attitudes towards condom usage but also raises alarms about potential implications for public health, particularly regarding HIV/AIDS transmission.

    Understanding the Landscape of Condom Use

    The survey paints a clear picture of current sexual health practices among Ghanaian men. The reluctance or refusal to use condoms indicates gaps in sexual health education and accessibility challenges.

    In a country still grappling with HIV/AIDS, addressing the reasons behind low condom usage is crucial.

    Impact on HIV/AIDS Spread

    The connection between low condom usage and rising HIV/AIDS cases cannot be ignored. Condoms are a proven method for preventing HIV transmission and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

    Without widespread and consistent use, the fight against HIV/AIDS in Ghana faces significant challenges.

    Urgent Need for Comprehensive Strategies

    The survey underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to combat HIV/AIDS spread, focusing on education, accessibility, and stigma reduction.

    Education as a Powerful Tool

    Enhanced sexual health education is essential in changing behaviors and perceptions. Initiatives should dispel myths and promote the importance of condom use in preventing HIV/AIDS.

    Improving Condom Accessibility

    Ensuring affordable and readily available condoms nationwide, including in remote areas, is crucial. Government, NGOs, and the private sector must collaborate to achieve this goal.

    Addressing Cultural and Social Stigmas

    Cultural and social stigmas often deter individuals from using condoms and seeking HIV/AIDS prevention measures. Normalizing conversations about sexual health and engaging community leaders can help change societal attitudes.

    A Call to Action

    The survey findings call for collective action from stakeholders involved in public health and HIV/AIDS prevention. By prioritizing education, accessibility, and stigma reduction, Ghana can work towards a healthier future free from the burden of HIV/AIDS.

    It’s a shared responsibility that requires the involvement of the entire society to safeguard the well-being of all Ghanaians.

  • Nacee explains why condoms will be shared at Kavod Concert 2023

    Nacee explains why condoms will be shared at Kavod Concert 2023

    Gospel singer and record producer Nacee has provided an explanation for having a condom company as a sponsor for his maiden concert, Kavod.

    According to him, women who are allergic to certain contraceptive pills might prefer condoms as a viable option to prevent pregnancy.

    In an interview on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning, Nacee emphasized the importance of promoting condom use during sex, particularly among couples, and highlighted that Total Family Health Organisation (TFHO), the producer of Ebony Condoms, is sponsoring his concert for this reason.

    “Females are very sensitive beings. God created you guys differently, and your hormonal balance is kind of totally different. Most of you are not okay with those contraceptive pills when you take them. Most women don’t like it. Some complain that when they take it, they begin to gain weight, and some of them also have reactions after taking it. Married people sometimes want to stay away from pregnancy. So, even if you’re married and you have reactions after taking contraceptives, the only thing that you can use to prevent the pregnancy that you’re not ready for is a condom,” he said.

    Nacee emphasized that having a sponsor like the condom company at his event helps promote the company’s products and generate profit, enabling employees and employers to contribute through tithes in church.

    He acknowledged the importance of promoting the Kingdom of God while highlighting that financial resources are crucial to advancing the agenda.

    According to Nacee, regardless of one’s business activities, God accepts their tithes.

    “At the end of the day, we need money to push the kingdom. We buy Bibles,” he said.

    Asked whether condoms will be shared at the event grounds, he replied, “I’m sure the company will provide some giveaways.”

    The Kavod Concert 2023 marks the inaugural event by Nacee Music, celebrating his journey in gospel music over the years. The choice of the name “Kavod” was significant, as it reflects the attribute of God that they wanted to emphasize during the event.

    Kavod, meaning ‘The terrifying glory of God,’ was selected after careful deliberations. The concert, scheduled for November 26 at the National Theatre, is a blend of music and drama.

    It features comedians such as Clemento Suarez, Fuasta Romanus, and other gospel musicians, creating an entertaining and spiritually uplifting experience.

  • The reason people refrigerate their condoms before use

    You might have come across the concept and wondered about the reasons behind individuals freezing condoms.

    But why do people opt to use frozen condoms? There are two primary motivations behind this practice:

    1. Postpartum Relief for Mothers: Some individuals have suggested that freezing water-filled condoms and placing them between a new mother’s thighs can offer relief. This is typically done to help reduce inflammation and swelling in the vaginal area, providing comfort during the postpartum period.
    2. Sensation Enhancement during Sexual Activity: There have been instances where people refrigerate condoms briefly and then use them during sexual encounters to intensify sensation. They believe that the cold condom can deliver heightened pleasure, somewhat akin to the sensation of oral sex involving ice.

    However, it’s crucial to emphasize that this practice is not recommended due to associated risks.

    Addressing the potential risks linked to freezing condoms for sexual pleasure:

    Risk of Condom Breakage: Cold temperatures can make condoms less flexible and more susceptible to breaking. Using a frozen or extremely cold condom during sexual activity may elevate the risk of rupture, leading to unprotected intercourse, unintended pregnancies, or the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

    Lack of Scientific Support: There is no scientific evidence supporting the notion that using a cold condom enhances sexual pleasure. Any potential pleasure derived from this practice is subjective and may not outweigh the associated risks.

    Therefore, it is strongly discouraged to use frozen condoms for sexual pleasure due to safety concerns. Condoms are specifically designed for use at room temperature and should be stored according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy and safeguarding against STIs.

    If individuals seek ways to enhance sexual pleasure, it is advisable to explore alternative methods and techniques that do not compromise safety or the effectiveness of protective measures.

  • 93% of university students sexually active don’t use contraceptives – Study

    93% of university students sexually active don’t use contraceptives – Study

    93% of sexually active university students in three selected public universities do not use contraceptives, despite 80% having basic adolescent sexual reproductive health (ASRH) knowledge.

    The findings highlight the need for increased attention from university authorities and policymakers to address the sexual reproductive health needs of these students.

    The study, conducted by Dr. Gifty Ekua Merdiemah, a Research Fellow and Clinical Trials Coordinator at the University of Ghana Medical Centre, was presented at a workshop organized by the African Health Economics and Policy Association (AfHEA) in collaboration with UGMC and ISSER.

    The workshop aimed to share the study’s findings on ASRH interventions and develop operational and policy recommendations for equitable access to ASRH services in and out of schools.

    The study was conducted between 2018 and 2021, focusing on three public universities: University for Development Studies (UDS) representing the northern zone, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) for the middle zone, and UPSA for the southern zone.

    Dr. Merdiemah highlighted that the study identified the health needs of adolescents, including sexual reproductive health (SRH) education, sexual intercourse, and contraceptives.

    It emphasized that the cost and location of healthcare services posed significant barriers for adolescents in accessing reproductive health facilities.

    The study recommended collaborative efforts from stakeholders to develop policies and programs addressing the SRH needs of adolescents in public universities.

    Dr. Merdiemah stressed the importance of ensuring a smooth transition to adulthood by implementing well-structured ASRH orientation programs and establishing adolescent health corners with comprehensive SRH services at strategic locations within all public universities.

    Additionally, she urged the Ministry of Education to ensure age-specific sex education programs in educational institutions, supported by well-trained teachers and peer educators.

    Presenting another study titled “Access to adolescent sexual and reproductive health services in Ghana: a qualitative study,” Dr. Ama Pokuaa Fenny from ISSER highlighted the inadequacy of sex education in schools and the lack of affordable and non-judgmental SRH services.

    She emphasized the need for training teachers and health staff to provide relevant sex education and the importance of making adolescent-friendly services accessible and affordable.

    Member of Parliament for Wa Central, Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, called for increased accessibility to information and services for adolescents, stressing the need to expand avenues where they can easily obtain assistance and relevant information.

  • Pastors biggest buyers of used condoms – Sperm merchant

    Pastors biggest buyers of used condoms – Sperm merchant

    The sale of used condoms for some Ghanaians is no news, but those in demand of these items has left social media users dumbstruck.

    One of the sperm merchants who interacted with TV3, Kiki, noted that pastors are on top of the list of buyers.

    “I will not mention names, but a lot of the condoms are requested by pastors,” she said.

    Kiki recounted that one of her recent transactions was with an evangelist in the Volta Region.

    According to Kiki, she also has clients at Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

    Whatever these used condoms are used for remain unknown to this sperm merchant. Kiki says she is not perturbed about having no knowledge of what the condoms are used for.

    For Kiki, all she is concerned about is receiving cash for the product she provides.

  • Sex worker reveals how she receives used condoms from Labadi, other areas

    Sex worker reveals how she receives used condoms from Labadi, other areas

    It has emerged that other than offering their bodies for most often money, they also supply used condoms to those in need of it at fee.

    A sex worker, Sharon, in a feature yet to be aired by TV3, has provided details as to how she is able to sell used condoms to her clients.

    According to Sharon, her main source for used condoms are hotels set up in Accra. She has an agreement with the cleaners in these hotels who collect the used condoms and supply it at a fee.

    Labadi, she said, is where a chunk of the used condoms are from.

    She noted that running out of stock is not a thing she faces because she always receives the package even under bizarre deadlines.

    “If I call my hotel cleaners, before night falls, they can deliver about five or ten pieces of condoms containing sperm,” she is quoted to have said.

    In Ghana, the purchase of sperm is not surreal, however, the use of cleaners and the presence of an unauthorised merchant are novel.

    To get sperms, one can visit a health facility that deals with sperm donation. Men who donate their sperms are paid a lofty amount of money.

  • France makes condoms free for 18 to 25-year-olds 

    Young people in France will have free access to condoms from January, in a bid to minimise the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

    The French president announced the new health measure on Thursday at an event for young people’s health.

    Emmanuel Macron said young people would be able to collect them from pharmacies, and described the move as a “small revolution in prevention”.

    In 2020 and 2021 France experienced a 30% national increase in STI rates.

    The new measure comes alongside other health initiatives targeting the spread of STIs and improving access to contraception.

    In 2018 the French government started reimbursing the costs of condoms to individuals, if purchased in a pharmacy with a prescription from a doctor or midwife.

    Earlier this year the government made contraception free for all women up to 26 years old – a move that affected three million women. Contraception had previously been free for women and girls 18 or younger.

    Mr Macron added in a tweet that Thursday’s announcement comes alongside other health measures.

    They include free emergency contraception for all women in pharmacies, and free STI screenings without a prescription, except HIV, to those under the age of 26.

    Source: myjoyonline

  • ‘Arm’ yourself with condoms in case of emergencies – AIDS Commission advises men

    Director-General of Ghana Aids Commission (GAC), Kyeremeh Atuahene, has asked men to ensure they have enough condoms on them wherever they go to avoid emergencies that could lead to contracting HIV or AIDS infections.

    He claimed it was necessary because HIV was mainly spread by men and “using condoms was the most effective way to protect each other from new infections.”

    Mr Atuahene said this when the GAC paid a working visit to the Ghana National Fire Service in Accra on Wednesday to present about 72,000 pieces of lubricated condoms and Behavioral Communication Change (BCC) materials on HIV and AIDS to the service to be distributed to all fire service stations across the country.

    He said the commission would as part of the HIV and AIDS awareness month celebration donate condoms and BCC material to all uniform service staff.

    Such institutions include the GNFS, the Police, Immigration, and Ghana Armed Forces among others to enable them to protect themselves from new HIV infections when they leave home to perform national duties elsewhere.

    The GAC Director said presently HIV infections had soared in the country with staff of the uniform service found to be the groups with high HIV prevalence during the early stages of the pandemic.

    “The HIV new infections have been around 20,000 over the last five years and that is not too good, we have to reduce new infections to the barest minimum because that is one of the ways to eliminate AIDS by 2030,” he said.

    He appealed to the public to desist from stigmatizing persons living with HIV and AIDS saying; “the only thing that stops stigma is when affected persons voice out.”

    Mr Atuahaene called on Ghanaians to support HIV and AIDS prevention activities, treatment and care in the workplace to help stop the spread of the virus in communities.

    Mr Edwin Ekow Blankson, Chief Fire Officer of the GNFS, said there was the need to find new avenues to stop the spread of the virus.

    “HIV is not on the decline but the rise, we should all stand up and fight it,” he said.

    Divisional Officer I Charles Addo, HIV\AIDS Focal Person who received the items on behalf of the GNFS, expressed gratitude to the GAC for their gesture and assured that materials would serve the intended purpose.

    Source: Ghana Celebrities

  • Coronavirus like spark ‘devastating’ global condom shortage

    A global condom shortage is looming as the coronavirus pandemic shutters factories and disrupts supply chains, the world’s top maker of the contraceptives said, with the United Nations warning of “devastating” consequences.

    Over half of humanity has been confined to their homes as the highly contagious virus marches round the planet, while governments worldwide have ordered the closure of businesses deemed non-essential.

    Malaysia — one of the world’s top rubber producers and a major source of condoms — imposed a nationwide lockdown last month as infections surged to the highest level in Southeast Asia.

    But restrictions on the operations of Malaysian contraceptive giant Karex, which makes one in every five condoms globally, mean the firm expects to produce 200 million fewer condoms than usual from mid-March to mid-April.

    With other producers around the world likely facing disruption and difficulties in getting condoms to market due to transport problems, supplies of contraceptives will be hit hard, warned Karex chief executive Goh Miah Kiat.

    “The world will definitely see a condom shortage,” Goh told AFP.

    “It’s challenging, but we are trying our best right now to do whatever we can. It is definitely a major concern — condom is an essential medical device.

    “While we are fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, there are also other serious issues that we need to look at,” he said, adding he was particularly worried about supplies of condoms to developing countries.

    UN sounds alarm

    Karex, which supplies condoms to many companies as well as governments and for distribution by aid programmes, had to close its three Malaysian factories for a period at the start of the country’s lockdown, which is due to last until April 14.

    The company has since been allowed to resume operations but with only 50 percent of its usual workforce, and Goh wants permission to ramp up production.

    The UN is also sounding the alarm, with its sexual and reproductive health agency warning it can currently only get about 50-60 percent of its usual condom supplies due to virus-related disruptions.

    “Border closings and other restrictive measures are affecting transportation and production in a number of countries and regions,” said a UN Population Fund spokesperson, adding they were taking steps such as adding extra suppliers to support urgent needs.

    The agency, which works with governments worldwide to support family planning, said a key concern was being able to ship condoms to where they were needed quickly enough — and warned the poorest and most vulnerable would be hit hardest if stocks run low.

    “A shortage of condoms, or any contraceptive, could lead to an increase in unintended pregnancies, with potentially devastating health and social consequences for adolescent girls, women and their partners and families,” said the spokesperson.

    There could also be an rise in unsafe abortions and an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections and HIV, the agency said.

    Even as factory shutdowns and border closures throw the condom industry into chaos, demand appears to be increasing.

    Goh said Karex had seen growing demand as people worldwide are confined to their homes, while Indian media reported that condom sales had jumped 25-35 percent in the week after the country of 1.3 billion people announced a lockdown.

    China to the rescue?

    Despite the warnings about a potential shortage, there are positive signs from condom makers in China, where the virus first emerged last year but which has largely managed to bring its outbreak under control.

    Major producers there have resumed operations as authorities eased tough restrictions to halt the virus, which has claimed more than 80,000 victims worldwide.

    HBM Protections, which makes more than one billion condoms a year, said production is back to normal levels and it is pushing ahead with earlier plans to triple its number of manufacturing lines by the end of the year.

    And Shanghai Mingbang Rubber Products said it was ready to ramp up condom exports, which currently make up only about 10 percent of its output, if there is a global shortfall.

    “If the international market runs into such problems… we will be willing to export more,” chief executive Cai Qijie told AFP.

    Source: France24

  • Uganda orders recall of faulty condoms

    The authorities in Uganda have ordered the recall of two batches of condoms distributed by Marie Stopes Uganda, a non-government organisation that offers reproductive health services.

    “While the Life Guard brand follows strict quality controls, unfortunately two recent batches have fallen short from the quality we demand,” Dr Carole Sekimpi, Country Director at Marie Stopes, said in a statement.

    Read:Condom use in Uganda drops to 24%, authorities worried

    She stressed that the problems only affected these two batches. The Daily Monitor newspaper reports that this amounts to four million condoms.

    Tests had found “holes and burst properties” in the Life Guard brand, Uganda’s National Drug Authority (NDA) said in a recall letter sent at the end of last month according to images of the memo circulating on social media.

    Read:Tanzania imports 30 million condoms amid shortage fears

    “We have given you two weeks to submit a recall status report indicating the details of distribution and the clients that have been notified of the recall,” Victoria Nambasa, NDA’s product safety officer wrote.

    Marie Stopes is the sole distributor of the condoms in Uganda, the Daily Monitor newspaper reports.

    According to data from Uganda’s ministry of health, an estimated 800 million condoms are needed to protect Ugandans from unplanned pregnancies, HIV/Aids and other sexually transmitted diseases, the Daily Monitor says.

    Read:Today in 2010: Expired condoms on market

    Source: bbc.com