Sex workers in Zimbabwe are turning to unconventional methods, including using baby socks, to protect themselves and their clients as a critical shortage of condoms continues to affect several communities.
Despite the government’s denial of a nationwide shortage, areas like Epworth, Mutare, Masvingo, Harare, and Seke are experiencing severe supply issues.
According to reports from HealthTimes, the shortage is due to a combination of delayed restocking by health facilities, hoarding by some sex workers, and alleged mismanagement of supplies by healthcare workers.
As a result, sex workers are being forced to improvise. Precious Musindo, the founder of Springs of Life Zimbabwe, a sex worker-led organization, explained the dire situation.
“Currently, we are facing a challenge accessing condoms. Supplies are limited, so as sex workers, we are opting to use newborn baby socks,” Musindo said.
“You fold them, insert them, and they prevent fluids and sperm from reaching the cervix.”
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These makeshift solutions, however, come with significant risks. Once the baby socks become damp, they are washed and reused, further increasing the potential for infection.
In areas like Komboni Yatsva in Epworth, some sex workers even collect discarded baby socks from mothers to use in their work.
The shortage is worsening health risks, as many sex workers are struggling to access proper healthcare services.
With business slow and financial pressures mounting, some workers are ignoring sexually transmitted infections (STIs), opting to continue working rather than seek treatment.
Musindo emphasized, “Given the current economy, sometimes we go home empty-handed. Even when someone contracts an STI, many choose to ignore it and continue working just to earn a living.”
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Dr. Bernard Madzima, CEO of the National AIDS Council (NAC), denied there was a nationwide condom shortage, claiming the country had sufficient supplies for now.
However, international donors like the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) have announced they will stop funding condom programs by 2026, heightening concerns for the future.