Ministry of Health: ‘We Have Enough Condoms’

Belize has enough condoms in stock for now, despite looming global price hikes, according to Dr Joshua Canul from the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

Earlier this month News 5 reported that the world’s largest condom manufacturer, Karex, plans to raise prices by 20–30% due to supply chain disruptions tied to the US–Iran conflict.

“I think we need to understand the geopolitical sphere and what is happening with the wars. This impacts everything, not only food,” Canul said, pointing to recent increases in freight costs for HIV and tuberculosis medications entering Belize.

Globally, condom demand has surged while delivery times have nearly doubled, creating pressure on supply chains and raising concerns for countries that depend on imports. But Canul stressed that, locally, the situation remains under control for the time being.

“At this point in time, we do have enough,” he said, while acknowledging that increased demand could eventually strain supplies.

He added that condoms, free of cost, remain widely accessible across Belize through public health services.

“Condoms are available in all government facilities across the country, free of cost. While they might not be the branded ones people prefer, they are there,” Canul added.

The Ministry of Health relies on careful forecasting to manage procurement and avoid waste, but officials warn that continued global instability could still have ripple effects. For now, however, Belize’s public supply remains steady even as international prices climb.