Rising Costs Hit Condoms, But Free Supplies Remain at Clinics

When condom prices started climbing, it didn’t take long for Belizeans to start asking questions. Was access at risk, and would higher prices hurt public health? The Ministry of Health says the spike has more to do with what’s happening outside Belize’s borders. Officials point to rising freight costs, driven by ongoing global conflicts, which are making it more expensive to bring in essential supplies like condoms and medications. But here’s the reassurance: condoms are still available free of charge at government health facilities nationwide. Health officials stress that no one should skip protection because of rising prices on the private market. For now, the ministry says supplies are stable, but they’re keeping a close eye on the situation. If demand rises, as often happens when prices go up elsewhere, officials say procurement plans are already in place to prevent shortages and keep access uninterrupted.

 

Dr. Joshua Canul, Assistant Deputy Director for HIV/TB/STI, MOHW

“I think we need to understand the geopolitical sphere and what is happening with the wars. I mean, this impacts everything, not only food. I mean, recently we brought in ARVs and medication for HIV and TB and the freight costs were really high. I mean, and this will extend to condom use. However, the ministry does continue to procure condoms, and these are accessible in all government facilities across the country of Belize, free of cost again, because that’s what the Ministry of Health does: free of cost condoms for everyone. And while it might not be the branded ones people would love and prefer, they are available as well. When it comes to stockpiling, you have to remember the ministry, we do not want to waste resources. And so forecasting goes into a lot of the procurement processes. And we do have enough for this time. That’s not to say that we might not run out because of the increase in demand that could potentially be expected. But at this point in time, we do have enough.”

 

Health officials are encouraging Belizeans to take advantage of the free supply available at public health facilities, as they continue monitoring demand and global price pressures.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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