Condom use now more open

By ANN ZULU

THE use of condoms was in the past considered as immoral among Zambians because it promoted sexual promiscuity.

However, the perception has changed due to publicity and sensitisation by stakeholders that mostly focuses on the safety that condoms provide to users.

Condoms are now sold everywhere unlike in the past when it was difficult to find one.

A survey by the Daily Nation uncovered different brands of condoms, including, Rough Rider, Durex, Gold, Love, Be Safe, Maximum, Icon and Kiss among others.

The prices of condoms on the market ranges from K5 to K30 per pack at most of the shops visited.

Ms Karen Mwewa, who owns a drug store in Lusaka noted that due to high publicity and sensitisation in the past years on the use of condoms for safe sex and protection, customers boldly come to buy the product.

She said the price of the condoms was based on the quality, texture and brand names, adding that the purchases were based on customer’s financial situation, satisfaction and other personal experiences.

Ms Mwewa appealed to pharmacists to educate customers on the proper use of condoms to reduce unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

She also disclosed the demand for condoms goes up during Valentine, Christmas and public holidays.

“My customers mostly buy Maximum because of the publicity and affordability, condoms are highly patronised by both the young and the old. People walk in to buy irrespective of who is at the counter.

“At times some women even walk in to buy, every day is a market day for the sale of condoms, but weekends are special,” she said

Ms Mwewa however, noted that there were a few who still feel shy when they come to the store to buy condoms.

“Some customers feel shy so they write the name or type of condoms they want to buy on a paper and send children to buy for them. All the same the condom business is doing well,” she said.

The Daily Nation survey also revealed that the female condoms were not in the market due to lack of sensitisation.

Mr Kelvin Kalumba, a Pharmacist, observed that most people preferred the male condoms to the female ones.

“Pharmacies have stopped selling the female condoms because people don’t buy them and it is very difficult to get on the market these days.

“Even ladies who occasionally go to stores to buy male condoms don’t buy female condoms,” Mr Kalumba said.