Over 110,000 condoms used at Mulhako

More than 113,000 male condoms were distributed during this year’s Mulhako wa Alhomwe cultural festival in Mulanje, health authorities have revealed.

The figure represents a drop of more than 47,000 from the over 160,000 condoms distributed during last year’s three-day event.

Mulanje District Condom Programme Coordinator Madalitso Katamba has described the uptake as satisfactory, saying condoms play an important role in preventing sexually transmitted infections.

The annual festival is held every October at Chonde in Mulanje District, attracting members of the Lhomwe community and visitors from across the country.

During this year’s event, some people were also seen using herbal products marketed as sexual performance enhancers, adding another dimension to the festival’s conversations around sexual health and behaviour.