Baby Socks Not a Substitute: Health Officials Reject Condom Panic
Misleading claims about condom shortages in Zimbabwe have flooded social media and some international news outlets, sparking public concern over HIV prevention efforts.
The false narrative, amplified by anti-Government groups, follows the United States’ decision to halt foreign health aid to Zimbabwe earlier this year—a move that affected funding for free condoms, antiretrovirals, and other critical health services.
The controversy was triggered by an AFP report published on September 15, 2025,
titled “US aid cuts force Zimbabwe sex workers to use unsafe alternatives.”
Deep within the article, a sex worker was quoted saying she had resorted to using baby socks due to condom stockouts.
That isolated quote was later sensationalized by some organisations, resulting in misleading headlines such as “Desperation in Zimbabwe: Sex Workers Use Baby Socks as Condom Shortage Worsens.”
Health experts have strongly dismissed the claim, warning that such misinformation is not only inaccurate but also dangerous.
“Baby socks are painful and dangerous to the receptive partner and can cause injury. Such injuries contribute to the transmission of disease and these baby socks are not useful for prevention of STIs or HIV.
“Safe sex promotion requires healthy condoms for HIV prevention. This excludes any kind of unsafe condoms or accessories,” said a Harare-based doctor.
Dr Bernard Madzima, CEO of the National AIDS Council (NAC), confirmed that Zimbabwe’s condom supply remains stable and sufficient.
“As far as I am concerned, there is no shortage of condoms in Zimbabwe. We have enough stocks in the country. The current discussion is focused on condom funding post-2025.
“For now, there are adequate supplies in the public sector,” he said.
According to NAC data, a total of 27,855,015 male condoms and 601,878 female condoms were distributed in the second quarter of 2025.
While there were isolated reports of hoarding and stock-outs earlier in the year following the U.S. Stop Work Order, NAC clarified that these were temporary disruptions driven by speculation.
Distribution has since resumed across public health facilities, and socially marketed condoms remain widely available in retail outlets.
The Herald reported that female condoms are in surplus, with supply exceeding demand.
NAC is actively encouraging their use to diversify safe sex options. “The correct position is that the country has sufficient stocks of condoms for now and into the foreseeable future,” NAC stated.
Zimbabwe also has the technical capacity to test condom quality through the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ).
The authority operates a fully equipped Medical Devices Laboratory with machines for air inflation, dimensional testing, defect detection, and seal integrity checks.
These facilities meet international standards set by ISO and WHO, ensuring that condoms distributed in Zimbabwe are safe and effective.
Public health officials warn that spreading false narratives—such as the use of baby socks as a substitute for condoms—can fuel stigma and erode trust in HIV prevention programs.
NAC emphasized the importance of accurate, evidence-based communication to counter misinformation and support national efforts in combating HIV/AIDS.
Despite the withdrawal of U.S. aid, Zimbabwe continues to invest in HIV prevention and treatment.
Authorities urge the public and media to rely on verified information and avoid sensationalism that could jeopardize public health.
