Maharashtra faces scarcity in condoms supply amid high HIV risk, Needs 80 lakh but gets 12 lakh
Maharashtra is grappling with scarcity of condoms amid high risk of HIV as it receives 200 boxes of condoms after seven months.
Mumbai: After nearly seven months, the National Aids Control Organization (NACO) has supplied 200 boxes of condoms to Maharashtra. Starting from today, the contraceptives will be distributed to NGOs and centers across the station. Not just Maharashtra but the whole nation is grappling with scarcity of condoms amid high risk of HIV.
Speaking about the scarcity of the protections, Maharashtra State Aids Control Society (MSACS) official revealed, “The state has received delivery of 200 boxed containing 12 lakh condoms. However, this is just a fraction of the state’s needs.” “However, the supply is just like to a drop in the ocean. Maharashtra have almost 12 lakh people classified as high-risk for sexually transmitted diseases. Hence, the state require nearly 80 lakh condoms quarterly,” the official further added.
Ganesh Acharya, an activist stated that the unavailability of the contraception, testing kits and antiretroviral medicines was a central point of discussion during a meeting held in Delhi last week. Showing concern about the sex workers, Ganesh Acharya said, “Several NGOs are afraid for their female sex workers, who are one of the most vulnerable in the chain of transmission. As they are often forced to engage with some clients without protections.”
Sangita Manoji, a board member of Community Based Organization (CBOs), working with female sex workers’ community in Maharashtra and Karnataka revealed that their CBO received the last stock of the protection nearly five months back. She also revealed that if these boxes are bought from open market, they cost nearly double for them. Hence, this is leading to an unsustainable supply of condoms for NGOs on a daily basis.
Ms Kalinga