Condoms: Demand high, but purchasing, the problem.

File Photo of condoms

It’s 3p.m. on a cold afternoon in the Nsimeyong neighbourhood in Yaounde. A small queue is at a provision store from which many within the quarter purchase household provisions. Among those about to buy from the store is 38-year-old Jean Marie Amougou.

Though he had been there for a while, each time it got to his turn to buy, he simply moved behind, urging others to do so. When he realised he was left only with two customers and the shopkeeper, he moved to the counter and whispered to the provision store attendant. 

The attendant did not seem to have heard what he said and asked in a loud tone what Amougou wanted to buy.

In a low tone, Amougou said: “I want condoms”.

“Ahhhh condoms?” the attendant said to the hearing of the two other customers, who both giggled. 

The attendant then took Amougou’s money and handed to him a packet of condoms. Amougou then left, with shame and embarrassment visible all over his face.

One week later on a hot afternoon in the posh Bastos neighbourhood in Yaounde, a youth, whose only name we will use as Francis, stood on the line by the checkout counter of a supermarket, waiting to buy condoms. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, fighting the temptation to break out of the line and run out of the supermarket.

When his turn came up, he mumbled and pointed to the rack of condoms behind the counter. The cashier raised an eyebrow, scowled, then looked for a price tag. Suddenly, he called for a price check of condoms over the supermarket's loudspeaker.

The idea of asking a cashier or store attendant for condoms is so tormenting that many teenagers, and even grown up men, often loiter around and leave the store without buying any. And these barriers of fear and inaccessibility increase the chances that sexually active teenagers and even men will expose themselves to HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.

The scenes at the provision store in Nsimeyong and supermarket in Bastos, Yaounde are just tips of the iceberg of the difficulties and uncomfortable encounters many people go through in buying condoms from shops, pharmacies, provision stores and even supermarkets. 

Though condoms are among the effective ways of preventing HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, it has been proven over the years that men, who want to use condoms for protection against these infections, or unwanted pregnancies, often find it difficult and uncomfortable to buy them in shops in the presence of other people.

Despite the advantages in using condoms for safe sex and huge risks in unprotected sex, many people still find it embarrassing buying condoms in public. Many still feel uncomfortable buying condoms in the presence of other people. 

A survey by reproductive health firm, Fusion Condoms, found that 56% of people surveyed, were embarrassed to buy condoms. When it came to men, 54% got shamefaced while 57% of woman did.

Sexual health organisations agree that embarrassment is still a big issue for many people as far as buying condoms is concerned.

Che Lyonga, a teacher in Buea, attests to this. 

“It's a population-wide issue, something that does not really change, whatever sex or age. Buying condoms is a public declaration that you want sex and many people are still not comfortable with that,” he said. 

On his part, Peter Fru Ngwa, a successful businessman in Yaounde, says he still feels very awkward when buying condoms.

“When buying condoms, I prefer going to shops or supermarkets where there is self-service, which makes it less stressful. I always use self-service rather than dealing with a person when buying condoms,” he said. 

Ngwa added that: “Buying condoms means you are being absolutely explicit about something many people want to be implicit about. You are admitting that you are planning to have sex or want to have it”.

Meanwhile, even just talking about using condoms is also something people struggle with, again regardless of age.

Many people who talked to this reporter on condition of anonymity, said they find talking about condoms with a new sexual partner a difficult conversation to have. 

 

Many adopting nicknames for condoms

In a bid to free themselves from the embarrassment of buying condoms in the presence of a third party, many people have adopted nicknames to refer to condoms. Some of the nicknames include ‘socks’, ‘sweet wrapping’, among others.

Young people also tend to hide behind humour and make things funny so they are not embarrassed when buying condoms.

A youth in Douala, who did not want to be named, said he uses condoms, but rarely buys them because of the embarrassment attached to it.

“If I do need one, I ask a close friend, I don't often buy them. A lot of free condoms are given out during reproductive health seminars and during celebration of World AIDS Day. I use those ones to save myself from the embarrassment of buying condoms,” he said.

 

Many view purchase & use as signs of promiscuity

Comfort Mussa, Coordinator of civil society organisation, SisterSpeak237, and former Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, SRHR, peer educator, said she recognises the stigma around buying condoms in Cameroon. 

“Many still view these purchases and use as signs of promiscuity, rather than responsible behaviour. This leads to feelings of shame and embarrassment,” she said.

“In rural areas, the cost and limited access to condoms pose significant barriers. In such contexts, buying condoms is viewed as waste or extravagance. Additionally, some vendors shame customers, making the experience uncomfortable,” Mussa added.

To combat this phenomenon, Comfort Mussa is propounding increased awareness of the importance of preservatives for sexual health. 

“Educational programmes should promote responsible sexual behaviour and highlight condoms as a positive choice. Making condoms affordable and accessible in rural areas is essential. Partnerships with NGOs or government programmes could help distribute free or low-cost options,” she noted.

Mussa further said: “Training vendors to interact positively with customers can improve the purchasing experience and fostering a supportive atmosphere. Lastly, establishing youth-friendly health services will create safe spaces for individuals to seek information and access preservatives without fear of judgment”.

 

 

This story was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3336 of Sunday January 12, 2025

 

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