Bulawayo Distributes More Than 225,000 Male Condoms as Health Campaigns Reach Tens of Thousands

Bulawayo City Council distributed over 225,000 male condoms in September and October 2025 while reaching more than 130,000 people through health education campaigns (image source)

BULAWAYO — The Bulawayo City Council’s Health Promotion Unit reported the distribution of 225,820 male condoms across the city during September and October 2025, compared with 13,548 female condoms over the same period, according to the unit’s October report. Distribution data showed that 131,820 male condoms were issued in September and 94,000 in October, while female condom distribution stood at 6,543 in September and 7,005 in October. The figures were presented by Director of Health Services Edwin Mzingwane on 6 November.

The report also highlighted an intensive schedule of health education activities. The unit conducted 2,948 health education sessions in September and 2,919 in October, reaching 71,047 people in September and 60,844 in October. Social and Behaviour Change Communication initiatives included eight radio infomercials aired on Skyz Metro and Khulumani FM, focusing on the Measles Rubella Campaign, Vitamin A supplementation, routine immunisation, breast cancer awareness and mental health.

This highlights progress and ongoing gaps in female condom uptake (image source)

Community outreach efforts included public announcements on the Measles Rubella Campaign and suspected cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, alongside the development of information materials for service providers and residents. Bulawayo Metropolitan Province participated in the nationwide Measles/Rubella follow-up campaign from 6–10 October 2025, integrating catch-up routine immunisations and Vitamin A supplementation. The campaign targeted children aged 9–59 months for measles-rubella vaccination and children aged 6–59 months for Vitamin A, with the aim of closing immunity gaps and preventing disease outbreaks.

Health officials said the combined distribution and education drive reflects a dual approach of supplying prevention commodities while reinforcing public awareness. However, they also acknowledged the persistent disparity between male and female condom uptake. Observers noted that increasing access to and acceptance of female condoms remains a priority for reproductive health programming, particularly to expand options for women’s protection and autonomy.