The Department of Health in South Africa has issued a warning regarding the circulation of counterfeit condoms across the country, with particular concern in Gauteng province.
“These fake products, which lack certification from the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), are not reliable in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, as well as unwanted pregnancies”, reads the statement.
Authorities have discovered that these counterfeit condoms are being sold in spaza shops, often showing clear differences in packaging compared to genuine, certified products. This has raised significant concerns about the potential health risks posed to the public, as the fake condoms do not meet the necessary safety standards.
The Department of Health has urged consumers to be vigilant and only purchase condoms from trusted and certified sources to ensure their safety. Investigations into the counterfeit condom trade are ongoing.