Ignorance, Myths Hinder Female Condom Use in Malawi's Mzimba District
Matsiliza Namakhwa, condom coordinator at Mzimba South District Hospital, acknowledges the disparity in condom use between genders.
MZIMBA, Malawi— Despite efforts to promote sexual reproductive health in Malawi, the uptake of female condoms remains low in Mzimba South district, hampered by a lack of knowledge and persistent myths, writes Victoria Yande.
Flora Zgambo, a sex worker in Mzimba, highlights the challenges women face in using female condoms.
"We are aware of the existence of female condoms, but the challenge is ignorance on proper insertion and use," Zgambo said.
"The user complexity sometimes induces pain, which displeases many."
She added that time constraints for insertion and difficulties in switching between clients further discourage use, impacting sex workers' economic welfare.
Philmon Ngoma, a youth sexual reproductive health focal person at Mzimba Youth Organization, notes that women often opt for male condoms instead.
"This is as a result of ignorance about the presence of female condoms, myths such as immorality attached to women found with condoms, and male partner dominance in sexual decisions," Ngoma said.
Matsiliza Namakhwa, condom coordinator at Mzimba South District Hospital, acknowledges the disparity in condom use between genders.
"Much as it is appreciated that condoms are being distributed to our clients, there is less uptake and use of female condoms compared to male condoms," Namakhwa said.
He emphasized the need for research into causal factors and increased efforts to promote female condom use.
Health commentator Maziko Matemba called for intensified awareness campaigns.
"There is a need for government and stakeholders to scale up interventions such as sensitization in female condom use," Matemba said, noting the potential economic impact of underutilization.
The situation in Mzimba reflects broader challenges in promoting female condom use across Malawi, highlighting the need for targeted education and myth-busting to empower women in their sexual health decisions.