Sandiso Phaliso
THE use of female condoms has increased, with more than 1.9 million of them distributed in the eight City Health sub-districts last year compared to 1.72 million the previous year, according to the City’s health directorate.
Last year, the directorate distributed nearly 54 million male condoms and treated 42 713 people for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), down from 43 190 people treated in 2014, said mayco member for health, Siyabulela Mamkeli.
The increase in condom use has been noticed through the directorate’s distribution networks, including clinics and community outreach campaigns, he said.
Since 2007, the directorate has opened a number of male and youth clinics in partnership with the provincial government and non-profit organisations.
In the 2014/15 financial year, said Mamkeli, three male clinics in Khayelitsha treated 10 060 people with STIs, conducted 16 103 HIV tests, and distributed 407 200 condoms.
Some women interviewed said the introduction of scented condoms further encouraged use.
Mamkeli revealed that within a few days, other scents such as vanilla and banana will be available.
He said the figures are encouraging as they mean that more women are becoming aware of the availability of female condoms, and taking control of their sexual well-being.
According to him, the challenges were that one female condom costs as much as eight male condoms, and it is also more difficult to demonstrate to someone how to use them properly.
“If condom manufacturers are able to address these challenges, we would be able to put more women in control of their own health and well-being,” said Mamkeli.
He explained that the directorate continued to face a number of challenges around STI treatment, adding that while there has been a slight drop in the number of cases, it would be too simplistic and naive to attribute this solely to increased treatment and condom usage.
Mamkeli said because people have been known to travel outside of their areas to access STI treatment because they fear being stigmatised, City Health has made strides in addressing issues associated to access and stigma by providing services tailored to young people and men.
“Many STIs don’t have significant symptoms, therefore, remain undiagnosed for a long time,” added Mamkeli.
He added that the numbers provided encouragement, however, a lot of work still needs to be done. This would take the form of focused educational and awareness campaigns.
“Don’t engage in sexual activity without protection.
“It is freely available at clinics and other public spaces, so there really is no excuse.”
Sexually active Luthando Potwana, 26, from Khayelitsha, said she uses female condoms every time she engages in sex.
“Men tend not to use condoms and that is the reason why I am always prepared. Females can no longer depend on males for the use of condoms, because we (females) have our own and we need to embrace it,” said Potwana.
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