Fakoyejo OlalekanCondom prices in Zimbabwe is high, and has led to shortage, forcing sex workers and their clients to use bread nylon, at the risk of sexually transmitted disease. The cost of living has also caused them to switch their cash for food provision.
According to media reports in the country, sex workers are experiencing shortage of condoms, and in a bid not to lose their clients, they accepted usage of the package, which Dr Tendai Zuze, in Zimbabwe, said is not strong enouh for friction.
One condom now cost between $1 and $2, which is almost the price charged by a sex worker, who previously demanded for $5 for one night in Zimbabwe, a country battling with inflation that has hit triple-digit level of 131.7% as of May, skyrocketing from 96.4% a month before.
Food prices has also surge to about 150% earlier this year, increasing the cost of living in the diamond-rich country, with the downturn in economy affecting purchasing power in the country, and compelling Zimbabweans to priorities.
a 21-year-old Mutare sex worker, who spoke to Manica Post on condition of anonymity, said, “In most cases, the bread packaging is worn by the man as a substitute for condoms.
“This is normal in Chiadzwa and clients find nothing unusual about it. We normally do it because we do not want to lose a client, especially those who insist on the use of condoms.” said, adding, “However, on some occasions, we get nasty clients who refuse to use the bread packaging and opt for unprotected sex.”
Explaining how they manage with the cost of condom, the lady said, “We normally sell condoms among ourselves, so if one is desperate to be intimate with a big spending client, they will buy that condom for as high as US$2. They willingly buy it because they will recover their money from the client’s payment.”
A sex worker, who identified herself as Alice, said the economy has forced them to accept bucket of maize or cups of dried beans as payment for sex services. She said it helps her provide food like porridge for her kids.
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