Thousands at risk as NDA recalls defective Life Guard condoms

The National Drug Authority has recalled two batches of Life Guard Condoms that were supplied on the market but were later found to be defective.

The disclosure is heart wrenching considering that many people rely to this particular type of condom to protect themselves from Sexually Transmitted Infections like HIV.

Currently the HIV infection rate stands at 6.2% for those between the ages 15 and 64 years, which is the  most sexually active age-group.

A packet of Life Guard condoms retails for between Shs 1500 and Shs 2000 on the local market.

The defective two batches of Life Guard Condoms 19040205 and 19050105 were produced in April and May this year respectively. They were due to expire in 2024.

The recalled batches have been in circulation for at least six months.

In a letter dated October 30, 2019 to Marie Stopes Uganda, the main distributors of Life Guard condoms, NDA said some condoms had been found to have holes while others burst.

NDA instructed Marie Stopes to recall the condoms and give them a report concerning the distribution details of the batches; clients notified of the recall; clients who responded to the recall and a list of clients who did not respond to the recall.

The letter is signed by Victoria Nambasa, the director for product safety at NDA.

This is not the first time that defective condoms. In October 2004, NDA and the ministry of Health banned Engabu condoms after they were found to be defective.

"Following receipt of complaints about the quality of Engabu condoms especially with regard to smell, several batches were sampled and analysed. Results from these quality control tests have now been received and it has been noted some batches have been found to be unsatisfactory," the NDA statement read.

 

More details later...