In an effort to stem the rise of HIV infections in the country, the Ghana AIDS Commission is testing out a previously used concept: Condom Vending machines.
The Commission, in a press briefing, announced that it would be placing the vending machines at strategic locations, especially where young people frequent.
Director General of the Commission, Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, announced the initiative on World AIDS Day on November 4th.
‘‘By increasing access to condoms and promoting safe sex practices, we hope to reduce the number of new HIV infections and empower young people to take control of their health,” he said.
“Condom accessibility is a big problem, and most often, people don’t just buy condoms.”
But will it work compared to previous initiatives?
A Familiar Strategy
Condom vending machines have been around since the 1920s. The machines dispense subsidized condoms to customers, who usually purchase them using coins or paper money.
The vending machine concept isn’t new to Ghana’s fight against the virus.
In 2013, the AIDS Commission partnered with local organizations to install the vending machine devices in Bolgatanga, the capital of the Upper East Region, where HIV rates outpaced the national average.
But by 2015, reports emerged of widespread abuse in the same region. It was reported that some individuals would jam the coin slots with nails and other items, effectively destroying the machines.
The vandalism not only drained supplies but also inflicted repair costs the underfunded commission couldn’t sustain.
The commission tried again in 2021, this time in the Bono Region.
Vending units popped up at Sunyani Technical University, bustling bus terminals, and lorry parks, with condoms retailing for just 10 pesewas.
Why The Renewed Push
Earlier in June, the AIDS Commission published a report stating that there had been an estimated 15,290 new HIV infections and 12,614 AIDS-related deaths in 2024.
The data from the Commission sparked news calls for government and health officials to intervene to slow the rate.
The report also estimated that 334,721 people are currently living with HIV in Ghana.
The fight against rising infections is facing new hurdles due to low use of protection during sex, especially amongst young individuals
A 2024 survey report from the University of Ghana highlighted this low usage.
According to the survey, approximately 11% of the respondents reported consistent condom use in their previous sexual activity.
The report called for the need for behavioural change campaigns targeting young adults, particularly those who are sexually active, to encourage consistent condom use.
With the Ghana AIDS Commission’s renewed push for condom vending machines, there could be positive results if the machines are well-maintained and secured from vandalism.
Dr Akanbong from the Commission noted the stigma of purchasing condoms from public places like pharmacies. He hopes that the new vending machine initiative could remove the stigma.
“If we make it accessible in a very vantage area like a drinking bar or lorry station, you just go and drop your coin there and three packs come to you,” he said.
“It’s in your pocket, you’re ready to use it discreetly. It’s exclusive, and you don’t have to face that stigma.”
