NEW FEMALE CONDOM VERSION TO BOOST HIV PREVENTION

The Ministry of Health has disclosed that a new version of the female condom has been developed, allowing it to be inserted just minutes before sexual activity, in a move expected to improve uptake among women.

Ministry of Health Chief Pharmacist Davies Kampamba said the previous version required insertion up to eight hours before use, a factor that discouraged many women from using it.

“Most women used to feel uncomfortable about wearing the condom for eight hours because that meant wearing it the whole day. But the new version can be worn just a few minutes before sex,” Mr. Kampamba said.

He noted that the improved design is part of ongoing innovations aimed at making HIV prevention methods more accessible and user-friendly for women.

Mr. Kampamba further urged women to take interest in available HIV prevention options, emphasizing that the female condom remains an important tool in reducing infections.

“With these new innovations, we encourage women to take advantage of the improved female condom as part of HIV prevention methods available to them,” he said.

The Ministry continues to promote awareness and access to preventive measures as part of efforts to combat HIV transmission in the country.