Contraceptive pills prices have risen in recent weeks and the pills, which were retailing at between $3 to $5 last month, have climbed to ...
Contraceptive pills prices have risen in recent weeks and the
pills, which were retailing at between $3 to $5 last month, have climbed to
$20.
One packet of Durex condom now retails at $12 from below $3
a month ago while the less popular Protector Plus, which was less than $0,20
now costs a $1.
Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) director Itai
Rusike told the Daily News that the effects of market instability were proving to have a big impact
on unplanned pregnancies as well as sexually transmitted diseases.
“Zimbabwe is among the highest HIV prevalent nations in the
region but major gains have been achieved over the last few years due to a
number of factors including prevention methods such as condom use, treatment
and care. The policies, institutions and programmes are in place to respond to
these — prevention, treatment and care needs,” Rusike said.
He said the recent price increases may reverse some of the
gains achieved in family planning programmes and the HIV and Aids response as
the sharp price hikes create barriers to promote uptake in vulnerable or
marginalised groups.
Rusike said supply-side issues, cost and specific access
barriers need to be identified and addressed.
“It has been further noted with concern that there are some
health institutions that are refusing to accept medical cards and have hiked
their fees. These institutions are encouraged to accept medical aid payments,
not to hike their fee and not to respect parallel market transactions. Failure
to comply with this, the minister has been directed to take drastic measures,”
said the CWGH director.
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