Total recall for 1.35 million condoms in South Africa

According to the Associated Press, South Africa has recalled a large batch of 1.35 million defective condoms. Apparently, these condoms were distributed before the January 6-8 centenary celebrations of the African National Congress (ANC) party. A number of people reported leaks and bursts in condoms during sex.

condom

After some tests, the health department officials have recalled the entire batch of 1,350,000 condoms around January 18.  There was no confirmation of how many of the condoms were used or have been recovered. These condoms were distributed to hotels and bars in the central city of Bloemfontein, where thousands of people traveled from all over the country for the celebrations.

Some AIDS activists have pointed out that the recall was limited to health department workers visiting the hotels, guesthouses and bars in Bloemfontein where they had delivered the condoms and reclaiming any that remained. The health department had not issued countrywide warnings to alert people of the defects and not to use condoms distributed during the celebrations. Since people came from all over, it is likely that they took many away with them which will now be dispersed all over the country.

Previous recalls in South Africa included, 20 million defective condoms in 2007 and 5 million in 2008.

At 5.6 million cases, South Africa is home to the world's highest number of AIDS victims. The government distributed more than 400 million free condoms in 2010.