Why You Have Been Told By Govt Not To Use Sure Condoms

The product samples were found to have not complied with the specifications for the freedom from holes (conductivity) test performed.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Dec 11, 2024 - 22:02
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Why You Have Been Told By Govt Not To Use Sure Condoms
A box of Sure condoms. /NTV

Have you been fond of using Sure condoms? You might want to find another brand of condoms after the Pharmacy and Poisons Board recalled a batch of Sure lubricated condoms over quality issues.

In a statement on Wednesday, December 11, the Board revealed that it drew public attention to the recall of the substandard condoms dotted, Batch No. 2405055, Manufactured by Indus Medicare Private Limited.

The product samples were found to have not complied with the specifications for the freedom from holes (conductivity) test performed.

Kenyans have therefore been advised to cease distributing the affected batch and return it to a medical facility nearby.

Pharmacy and Poisons Board offices. /FILE

"In light of this, the Board advises all pharmaceutical outlets, healthcare facilities, healthcare professionals, and members of the public to immediately quarantine the product and STOP the further distribution, sale, issuance, or use of the affected product batch and return the product to their nearest healthcare facility or respective suppliers," PPB announced.

The PPB further encouraged the public to report any suspected cases of sub-standard medicines or adverse drug reactions to the nearest healthcare facility or the Pharmacy and Poisons Board channels.

Sure condoms are distributed in public hospitals, schools, and health centres for free under the government programme to reduce the prevalence of HIV and AIDS and to curb STDs.

Kenya has an estimated annual demand for 424 million condoms, according to health officials and organisations addressing sexual health. On average, Kenyan men use about 14 condoms per year, which this far below the recommended 40.

This is not the first time the government has issued a recall of condoms. In October 2019, Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) issued a recall of batches of its condoms over concerns about the "quality issues" of the products.

"Please accord Lifeline Laboratories the necessary operation in order to successfully conclude the process," KEMSA quality assurance manager Dr John Aduda stated.

This move to recall the batch leaves Kenyans being forced to turn to alternative condoms and part with a fee for acquiring them, some ranging from as low as Ksh57 to a high of Ksh817, for a box of three packets, all ahead of merry-making during the festive season.

Condom Use

Condoms are preferred for the dual role of being both a contraceptive method and a barrier against sexually transmitted infections, but their success is tied to correct and consistent use. However, faulty condoms can increase the chances of transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Take the following precautions before using a condom:

  1. Make sure that the condom is in its original wrapping.
  2. Only use condoms from legitimate condom makers that use the appropriate materials.
  3. Check the expiration date.
  4. Do not store condoms where they may be scrunched or bent.
  5. Check for any defects on the condom.

Photos of Sure condoms. /PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD

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