The HIV prevalence rate among individuals aged 15 to 34 is on the rise, with low condom usage playing a significant role. Recent data from the National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC) shows that of the 16,000 new HIV infections reported last year, at least 73 percent were among people in this age group.
Health experts have noted that many young people prefer using Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) over condoms as a means of preventing HIV infection. However, access to PrEP remains limited in comparison to condoms, which also offer protection against unintended pregnancies.
Experts emphasize the importance of condoms in HIV prevention and reproductive health. They encourage young people to prioritize condom use, highlighting that investing in condoms can prevent long-term dependence on HIV treatment.
Even though PrEP is effective in preventing HIV, its accessibility remains a challenge. Individuals seeking PrEP must undergo medical tests to confirm their HIV-negative status and then commit to taking the medication consistently over long periods. This process discourages many from choosing PrEP as a preventive measure, especially when compared to the simplicity of purchasing condoms from local stores.
The situation has been further complicated by the freezing of foreign aid by the U.S. government. With changes in administration, Kenya’s supply of PrEP is uncertain, as it is not among the activities granted exemptions by the U.S. Department of State. Currently, a temporary 90-day waiver allows PrEP to be provided only to pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Despite the emphasis on PrEP, donor support for condom distribution has also been decreasing over the past five years. This has resulted in a dwindling supply of free condoms, which are mainly distributed to individuals who cannot afford them, including students, sex workers, and men who have sex with men. The available stock for these key populations is expected to last only six months.
Authorities have urged young people to purchase condoms from the market, given the reduced supply of free condoms. The demand for condoms remains high, with Kenya requiring at least 450 million condoms annually. However, the country currently relies on the Global Fund, well-wishers, and non-governmental organizations to meet this demand. At present, only 30 percent of the required free condoms are available.
Experts have criticized the government for imposing high taxes on imported condoms while failing to establish local manufacturing. High costs and lack of awareness have also been cited as reasons for low condom uptake among young people. The price of commercial condoms varies, ranging from Sh50 to Sh1,000, depending on the brand.
Advocates for condom use have expressed concern over the declining usage among youth. Instead of prioritizing their health, many young people choose to spend money on expensive alcohol rather than purchasing condoms for protection.
Health professionals continue to stress the need for increased awareness and accessibility of both condoms and PrEP. They emphasize that prevention remains the best strategy in the fight against HIV, urging young people to take responsibility for their sexual health.
These concerns were raised during the commemoration of International Condom Day, held at Rongo University in Migori.
