The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has recalled a batch of Sure lubricated condoms citing quality issues.
As a result, the body is ordering Kenyans to stop using the product. Sure condoms are distributed in public hospitals, schools, and health centers for free under the government programme to reduce the prevalence of HIV and AIDS and to curb STDs.
In a statement on Wednesday, December 11, the Board stated that the product sample tested did not meet the quality standards.
According to the Poisons Board, the affected condoms are drawn from Batch Number 2405055.
A picture showing two pieces of condoms.
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Canva
“The Pharmacy and Poisons Board draws public attention to the recall of the substandard sure-lubricated condoms dotted, Batch No. 2405055,” noted the statement signed by PPB CEO Dr Fred Siyoi.
He added, “The product samples did not comply with the specifications for the freedom from holes (conductivity) test performed.”
Siyoi directed that all pharmaceutical outlets, healthcare facilities, healthcare professionals, and members of the public immediately seize the further distribution, sale, issuance, or use of the affected product batch.
According to Siyoi, anyone with condoms should return them to their nearest healthcare facility or respective suppliers.
Kenya has an estimated annual demand for 424 million condoms, according to health officials and organisations addressing sexual health. On average, Kenyan men use about 14 condoms per year, which this far below the recommended 40.
This is not the first time the government has issued a recall of condoms. In October 2019, Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) issued a recall of batches of its condoms over concerns about the “quality issues” of the products.
“Please accord Lifeline Laboratories the necessary operation in order to successfully conclude the process,” KEMSA quality assurance manager Dr John Aduda stated.
The products affected are batch numbers 17DN754 and 17DN052, and the expiry date of the affected batches are between December 2021 and December 2022.
A picture showing two pieces of condoms.
Photo
Canva