Free State – First no ARVs, now no condoms

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Rebecca Hodes of the TAC said that they had been receiving reports of condom shortages and stockouts in the Free State since June 19.

Activists contacted 41 (out of 351) clinics in the Free State and 11 stated that they had no condoms at all. Another four reported shortages.

‘This means that 37% of the clinics TAC spoke to claimed that they were experiencing condom shortages or stockouts,’ said Hodes.

The Bainsvlei Clinic representative in Bloemfontein said that the depot which supplied the clinic had no condoms, resulting in a shortage at various clinics.

A representative from the Ikaheng clinic in the municipality of Ladybrand reported that every clinic in Ladybrand was experiencing a condom stockout.

A representative of the Westdene clinic in Bloemfontein stated that the clinic had no condoms for at least a month.

Hodes said TAC had received further information that key antiretroviral treatment sites in the Free State had few or no condoms, including MUCPP in Bloemfontein.

‘Clinics such as these are reported to be facing other grave problems such as shortages of doctors and administrators,’ said Hodes.

‘Shortages of condoms mean that people are denied one of the best ways to protect themselves and others from HIV transmission,’ she said.

Community worker Trudie Harrison confirmed that Bloemfontein clinics have been facing condom stockouts for several weeks.

The Free State has the lowest ART roll out in the country ‘ with only 26% of those who need ART receiving treatment.

Free State health department spokesperson Elke de Witt requested the details and said they would look into the matter.

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