Zimbabwe is facing a looming condom shortage after international donors withdrew funding for the country’s condom program. The Ministry of Health and Child Care has revealed that it requires a staggering $10 million to purchase condoms for the years 2025 and 2026. This funding crisis comes after the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund, the two primary sources of funding for Zimbabwe’s public-sector condom program, announced that they would not be channeling resources towards the program in 2026.

The public sector is the main distribution channel for condoms in Zimbabwe, providing them for free to those in need. In 2023, there was a significant increase in demand, with over 6 million more male condoms distributed compared to the previous year. However, with the withdrawal of funding, the Ministry of Health is facing a significant funding gap. For 2025, there is a funding gap of $1.8 million for female condoms, while in 2026, the ministry requires $9.4 million for both male and female condoms.

The funding crisis has left many Zimbabweans shocked and concerned about the implications for the country’s efforts to prevent HIV/AIDS and other STIs. The condom program has been a crucial component of Zimbabwe’s response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and a shortage of condoms could have serious consequences.