Only 48% Use Condoms as HIV Risk Remains High in Malawi – NAC

Condom use among sexually active people aged 15 to 49 in Malawi remains low, with only 48 percent of the population in this age group reportedly using condoms this year, the National AIDS Commission (NAC) has revealed.

In a written response, NAC spokesperson Grace Khombe attributed the low uptake to several factors, including over-reliance on free condoms, low perception of HIV and STI infection risk, and limited access to comprehensive condom education.

Khombe said the commission is working to stabilize the condom market to ensure consistent availability of both subsidized and commercially sold condoms across the country. She added that NAC is also exploring innovative condom distribution methods, including approaches that reduce or eliminate direct human contact.

Meanwhile, Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) Executive Director George Jobe has described the situation as worrying, saying the low condom usage rate calls for urgent national attention and intervention.

According to NAC data, approximately 161 million condoms were distributed nationwide in 2024 as part of ongoing HIV prevention efforts.