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In an effort to encourage higher condom usage, the Ministry of Health has reintroduced an improved version of female condoms. 

Unlike the previous ones, these upgraded condoms are notably softer and adhere more effectively to the walls of the reproductive system, eliminating the discomfort of noise during intimacy. 

Dr Richard Mugahi, the assistant commissioner in charge of reproductive health, expressed optimism that the acceptance of female condoms will rise. 

He was speaking during the commemoration of the National Self-Care Awareness Month at Angwecibange Primary School in Dokolo district on Friday. 

Mugahi noted that the usage of female condoms has been low, especially among women in rural communities. 

Responding to public feedback about the previous design's discomfort and noise, the health ministry has taken action to address these concerns. 

“This initiative is part of our self-care strategy. When used correctly, these condoms can prevent unintended pregnancies, HIV/AIDS, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs),” Mugahi emphasised. 

Boniface Epoku, the condoms programme officer at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the fact that female condoms constitute only 1% of condom usage. 

Epoku revealed that the country currently has a stock of 3 million female condoms, noting that while the uptake has been low, “our focus is on spreading awareness and empowering women to take control of their protection and foster a sense of self-care.” 

He explained that when a woman uses a female condom, her male partner does not need to wear one. 

Annet Kukundane, the senior program officer at the Center for Health, Human Rights and Development, said initial complaints prompted enhancements in user experience. 

She appealed to the Government to ensure equitable access to female condoms, regardless of socio-economic status or educational background. 

Sarah Nakitoo, a member of the Uganda Private Midwives Association, said many married women reported their spouses' aversion due to noise, discouraging condom use. 

Mixed reaction 

However, as the health ministry gears towards increasing sensitisation on uptake of female condoms, a number of women talked expressed mixed reactions on their uptake. 

Roseline Achola Technical Specialist Sexual Reductive Health and Self Care at Ministry of Health interact with Paul Masson as Dr Charles Olaro Director Health services – Curative looks on during the commemoration of the National Self-Care awareness month at Angwecibange Primary School in Dokolo district. (All Photos by Violet Nabatanzi)

Josephine Akello from Dokolo district said she has never heard of female condoms and, therefore, cannot use something she does not know about. 

Annet Atim said she had heard of female condoms, but she needed more sensitisation on how to use them. 

Atim suggested that the health ministry ought to engage more women directly before coming up with such interventions she termed “foreign”. 

For Grace Nandudu, female condoms would perhaps be more appealing and user-friendly if they could be worn like underwear. 

“The thought of pushing the condom inside my private parts is a put-off. I even worry more because I am scared it could get stuck inside my body during sexual intercourse,” she said. 

According to the Uganda Demographic Health Survey (UDHS 2016) the use of modern contraceptive prevalence among the married was 34.8% and disproportionately lower in the rural communities (33%). The unmet need for Family Planning (FP) among the married was 28.4%, and unintended pregnancies at 41%. 

Why self-care? 

Dr Charles Olaro, the director health services, said curative self-care is an integral part of health system strengthening. 

He added that self-care offers an avenue for individuals and families to promote health and prevent disease, alleviating strain on healthcare facilities. 

Self-care prioritises prevention, with experts training people to avoid diseases. 

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), self-care interventions are evidence-based, including medicines, counselling, diagnostics and digital technologies, which can be accessed fully or partially outside of formal health services.  

The celebrations were organised by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with WHO and partners implementing Self-care interventions in Uganda. The theme was ‘’Self-care interventions; advancing sexual and reproductive health, enhancing primary healthcare and contributing to Universal Health Coverage.