A local distribution company has confirmed that fake condoms
are in circulation, sparking health fears.
As the world marks the International Condoms Day Tuesday,
Population Services Kenya, which distributes Trust condoms, Monday confirmed
suspicions that there were fake studded condoms in circulation.
The World Condom Day is marked annually to reinforce the
important role the rubber plays in HIV/Aids prevention.
PS Kenya said authorities had begun investigations to
establish how the counterfeit batch of condoms got into the country and ended
up being sold.
“It is unfortunate that some individuals are eroding the
efforts made as a country in distribution of high quality condoms,” PS Kenya
said in a statement.
The company issued an alert, warning Kenyans of the dangers
of using the fakes.
They include getting pregnant and sexually transmitted
diseases.
In half-page adverts in daily papers, PS Kenya asked unwary
shoppers to look out for the “true marks of Trust Studded condoms”.
“With Trust Studded condoms, you get high quality value
condoms that you can rely on,” the advertisement said.
“Look out for the marks of quality on our packs to ensure
you are purchasing authentic Trust packs. Do not compromise.”
According to the advert, consumers of the products should
check the front face of a pack of Trust Studded condoms and ensure it has a
triple tested icon at the bottom left side and a white stripe with pack
content.
The name “STUDDED” should also appear in bold at the centre
of the pack.
The spine of the pack, the advertisement went on, should
have content information and “only bear PS-Kenya contact details. Nothing
more”.
According to sources the Nation talked to, a
consignment with a batch of fake condoms arrived in the country last Wednesday,
triggering fears among authorities and subsequently the two-day advertisement
in dailies.
It cautioned the public to be extra vigilant when buying the
products.
On Saturday, the company began a countrywide safety sensitisation
drive “seeking to educate consumers on unique product markings to enable them
identify the right Trust Studded condoms”.
PS Kenya said by adapting the look of its brand, makers of
the counterfeit were infringing on the intellectual property of its products.
Condoms are celebrated for contraception and protecting
individuals against sexually transmitted infections.
However, their success is tied to correct and consistent
use.
Experts say faulty condoms can increase the chances of
transmission of HIV and other STIs as well as the likelihood of pregnancy.
This is because they are made of substandard material and
could therefore break or tear easily when in use.
Unwary shoppers could easily fall for the fakes.
Previously, counterfeiters have copied well-known
condom brands such as Durex.
In 2013, a huge international underground ring of
counterfeit condom manufacturers was shutdown in China after almost five
million french letters with fake brand names were impounded when they were just
about to be shipped abroad, ABC News reported
