AEGiS-NV: Act against Engabu manufacturers

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Act against Engabu manufacturers

New Vision - December 20, 2004

UGANDA has been plunged into a condom crisis. Government withdrew Engabu condoms that had holes and a bad smell. Now every batch of condoms has to be tested on arrival into Uganda before it is approved. Even brands that have no problem are suffering. There is a shortage because condoms that would have been distributed this month are still awaiting tests. People who used the spoilt condoms could have been exposed to HIV infection. Now that there is a shortage, prices are going up. Consumer confidence in condoms is being eroded. Condom use in Uganda was projected to be 100 million this year, but because of the crisis it is likely to be 80 million or less.

But the Minister of Health is advising Ugandans to continue using Engabu, saying all the bad ones have been withdrawn. Consumer confidence cannot be forced. Drop the brand name Engabu and start afresh with a new one backed by consumer research. After all, users were complaining about the dull colour, the spear-and-shield symbol that portrays sex as an act of war and the regional bias in the name Engabu.

It is three months since Ms Valendor AB of Sweden tested a batch of Engabu and advised that the condoms failed the test. However, no action has been taken against Guangzhou No 11 Rubber Factory, the Chinese company that manufactured Engabu. Why did they manufacture condoms that developed holes and a bad smell before the expiry date? Ms Valendor even advised that Uganda could have a claim against the manufacturer. Why hasn't action been taken? The ministry explains that they are still making consultations before taking legal action. Why does it take so many months to consult over what appears to be a clear-cut manufacturing error?

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