Malawians condom shy, only 50% condomise

Condom use in Malawi remains well below the levels needed to halt the spread of HIV and AIDS, but government officials hope the trend could change quickly, now that religious leaders seem to have softened up on their decision against general condom use.
Malawi is one of the Southern African Development Community member states with a high HIV prevalence rate, though government efforts have helped stabilise the situation to 12 per cent national prevalence rate.
National AIDS Commission (Nac) Executive Director, Biziwick Mwale, said the trend was worrisome because HIV and AIDS service organisations were doing a commendable job in sensitising communities.
"The most worrying factor is that condom use seems to be low in long term partnerships and marriages. Condom use is just over the 50 per cent mark, but has never reached 55 per cent,' said Mwale.
The sub-Saharan country distributes 20 million male condoms against 200, 000 female condoms. Only half of these are sold and used.
Female Condom activists hope that increased awareness about FCs could help reverse the situation.