-Condoms run out across Solomon Islands amid rising HIV, STI, teenage pregnancy statistics

-Health minister reacts with 3 pallets to be cleared for distribution by national medical store

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Condoms have run out across the country, reportedly since February.

This comes as the country is reportedly experiencing a surge in HIV cases, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and teenage pregnancy.

Health Minister, taking to social media yesterday said he has ordered three pallets to be cleared, which will be distributed by the national medical store.

However, these three pallets are not enough for the whole country. It also raises the question that condom supplies have been lying idle somewhere, only to be sought for distribution when the shortage was aired.

Raising the alarm, Director of Solomons’ Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA) said with their limited resources they are trying to purchase condoms from private pharmacies and abroad.

Owner of one of Honiara’s private pharmacies confirmed to Island Sun last night having run out of stock last month and was still waiting for their order to arrive in the country.

The owner, who requested anonymity, said few other pharmacies in town have also reported low stocks of condoms since last month.

SIPPA Director Jack Martin made a public announcement on social media yesterday to make public aware and also to encourage on making safe decisions regarding sex.

He also warned of an expected rise in STI and HIV statistics.

Mr Martin said in his post that as the head of SIPPA, he feels that it is significantly important to inform the public on the matter of concern.

“This is an important public announcement. As the head of Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA), I feel that I must be honest and inform our people accordingly,” he said.

He said condoms have been out of stock across the Solomon Islands since February this year.

“Please, parents and guardians, take time to talk to your children about sex, including safe sex and how they can make better informed choices around the decisions they make.

“If you are finding it hard to discuss with your adolescent children, please send then to our SIPPA clinics in Honiara, Auki, Gizo and Lata where there are youth centres/space where trained staff and volunteers are available to share and counsel young people with accurate and youth tailored information on sexual reproductive health,” he said.

He said SIPPA are also reaching out to schools where letters are being sent to allow them the space and time to inform students with important information on teenage pregnancy, STIs, HIV and AIDS, and behaviour change approaches so young people can make better and informed decisions with their sexual health.

“With our limited resources, we are trying to see how we can purchase some condoms through private pharmacies or abroad as a temporary measure,” Martin said.

Meanwhile, responding to the issue in a post in the Yumi Tok Tok facebook forum, Minister of Health and Medical, Paulson Popora Bosawai said that he had instructed three pallets of condoms to be cleared yesterday and has informed the National Medical store manager.

“Three pallets to be cleared should be cleared today (Yesterday). I just called the national med store manager. I urge the public to stick to one partner, and if you can, please abstain,” said Bosawai.

Speaking to Island Sun last night, Bosawai said that although the three pallets are not enough, more orders are expected to arrive soon.

“But three pallets are not enough, however, we expect more orders arriving soon,” he said.

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