The Director General Health Services, at the Ministry of Health Daniel Kyabayinze has refuted media allegations of condom shortage in Mpuga Island.
This after it emerged that the population had resorted to using polythene bags as an alternative for condoms on account of shortage.
“We don’t have condoms on this island. We use polythene bags to protect ourselves from HIV. You must ensure the Kaveera is clean and has no holes. Then, you tie it with a rubber band to secure it. You also have to be gentle during intercourse to avoid tearing it,”says a resident on record.
Now the ministry says that the reports are misleading, since the island receives 1000 condoms from Namatale Health Centre III, through outbreaks every three months.
“The Ministry of Health implements a data driven approach in managing condom supply and distribution to ensure that all sexually active at risks of HIV, STI’s and unintended pregnancies find it easy to choose and use condoms correctly and consistently,” says Kyabayinze.
The island is one of the 52 islands located in Bweeba Subcounty, a private property, measuring 4 Square Kilometres with a population of 50 people and is largely under farming.
Annually the government, with support from the Global Fund, UNFPA and USAID provides 230 million condoms, both male and female to ensure adequate stocks .