Government says consistent and correct use of condoms is vital in the prevention of unwanted pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
Ministry of Health Director of Clinical Care and Diagnostic Services Dr. James
Simpungwe says it is important to promote condoms as a dual protective method in the
fight against unwanted pregnancies and STIs.
He said this in a speech read on his behalf by National Clinical Care Specialist Dr.
Mabvuto Kango when he officially launched a national stakeholders meeting on
comprehensive Condom Programming in Lusaka today.
Dr.Simpungwe said there is need for a committee that would coordinate all Condom
Programme activities as a way of bringing condom programme partners together for a
common cause.
He that it is vital for all partners to understand what each partner is doing in the
condom programmes.
Dr. Simpungwe said that dynamism- strategic approaches to condom promotion and
demand creation must also be employed in the programmes.
He has since called on all stakeholders to advocate for political commitment,
financial support, strengthened human capacity, better infrastructure and access to
commodities and accountability.
Dr. Simpungwe noted that the fight against HIV/STIs is an urgent one which needs
concerted efforts from all condom programme partners as a strategy to prevent
further spread of HIV and STIs.
Speaking at the same function, United Nations Population Fund Agency (UNFPA) Country
Representative Deji Popoola said effective condom programming must be comprehensive
and undertaken strategically to accomplish its purpose of preventing unwanted
pregnancies and STIs.
Mr. Popoola said comprehensive condom programming requires adequate funding,
politically will and coordinated efforts at global and national level to achieve
specific goals of access.
He urged all partners to use all strategic means possible to make both male and
female condoms accessible to all population groups in the country.
ZANIS
excellent simpungwe