Sure Condoms Not Safe, Government Warns

Kenyan government has issued a critical warning regarding the safety of Sure Lubricated Condoms Dotted, specifically batches including 17DN754, 17DN052, LP8058, which have been found non-compliant with safety standards.

This alert comes at a time when Kenya is grappling with significant HIV statistics, with 2023 data showing 16,752 new infections, 10,784 of which were among females.

The top three counties with the highest HIV prevalence are Nairobi with 1,363 new cases, Kisumu with 1,210, and Nakuru with 1,185. The age group most affected by new HIV infections is young people aged 15-24, contributing to 41% of all new infections.

The recall of Sure condoms is particularly alarming given their popularity in universities where sexual activity is high.

With early pregnancy cases on the rise - a 2023 report indicated a 41% increase among this demographic - the effectiveness of contraception like condoms is crucial.

Universities are environments where young adults might experiment with sexual health, and the use of substandard condoms can lead to unintended pregnancies and the spread of STIs.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board alongside the National STI and AIDS Control Program (NASCOP) urges individuals to seek medical advice if they suspect they’ve used an affected condom.