50,000 condoms to be supplied in Homa Bay during devolution conference

The National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC) plans to distribute up to 50,000 condoms at this year’s Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County. This is intended to curb the spread of HIV in an area where the prevalence rate remains alarmingly high.

At least 10,000 condoms will be made available each day of the conference.

According to the council’s regional coordinator, Stephen Oyugi, the initiative began last Sunday with a music concert at Ruma National Park, ahead of the second Roan Antelope Half Marathon on Monday.

Mr Oyugi said that the condom distribution was a joint effort between the council and the Homa Bay County Department of Health.

“They were distributed in open grounds and used in what are colloquially known as ‘green lodges’. While we support condom use, we must now address the issue of environmentally sound disposal,” Mr Oyugi said.

The term “green lodge” refers to makeshift, often informal, meeting places in open or secluded areas such as parks.

According to Mr Oyugi, the park’s dark alleys and open environment created conditions that facilitated such encounters.

“This was a unique scenario. Given that it is a park, we observed evidence of intimate activity in hidden corners. The presence of used condoms confirms that the ‘green lodge’ phenomenon is very much alive,” he explained.

With an HIV prevalence rate of 10.6 per cent, Homa Bay County currently has one of the highest rates in the country. Mr Oyugi emphasised that condom use is one of the most effective ways to prevent HIV transmission, and confirmed that the council has sufficient supplies for the upcoming conference.

“We have sufficient supplies, and condom distribution is well covered,” he said, adding that distribution locations will include accommodation centres, the main conference venue, and other key access points across the town.

Mr Oyugi said that breaking the stigma surrounding HIV is a critical step in improving health outcomes.

“Stigma is a major barrier to people accessing services. If a community can overcome it and embrace open dialogue about treatment, that is a significant victory for the HIV response,” he said.