In a significant move to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia, the Ministry of Finance has granted a duty-free import status to condoms, effective under Decree No. 1341/2024. This policy change is aimed at improving access to condoms and ultimately reducing the transmission of HIV, a growing concern in the country.
According to the latest statistics, Ethiopia needs approximately 278 million condoms annually to meet the demand for safe sexual practices and HIV prevention. However, there is a significant shortfall in the available supply, with only 111.8 million condoms currently in the process of entering the country. The gap in condom availability has been partly attributed to a decline in the number of traders and companies actively involved in importing condoms, as noted by Abraham Rega, the Ministry of Finance’s senior adviser on tax affairs.
Rega explained that the Ministry’s decision to exempt condoms from import duties was made to address the shortage and encourage more businesses to engage in the importation and distribution of condoms. By eliminating the tax burden, the government hopes to reduce costs for both importers and consumers, ensuring that condoms are more affordable and accessible to the Ethiopian public.
Previously, there had been a policy in place that taxed 35 percent of condom imports separately, which made the product more expensive for importers. However, after a review of the policy and the urgent need for increased condom availability, the government amended the policy on June 13, 2016, to remove the tax and make condoms tax-free. This shift is seen as a strategic move in the government’s broader effort to control the spread of HIV and promote public health.
In addition to the tax exemption, Rega mentioned that businesses and organizations that apply for permission to produce condoms or import them into Ethiopia will not only benefit from the duty-free importation but will also be eligible for various incentives aimed at stimulating the market. These incentives are designed to encourage more private sector involvement in the production and distribution of condoms, as well as to ensure a steady supply of the product across the country.
It is crucial to remember that the HIV epidemic remains a serious public health issue in Ethiopia. According to recent reports, more than half a million people in the country are living with HIV, with many more at risk of infection. The policy to remove import duties on condoms is part of a broader government strategy to reduce the transmission of HIV through increased prevention measures, such as greater access to condoms, education on safe sex practices, and support for those affected by the virus.
With this policy change, the government hopes to not only mitigate the spread of HIV but also to raise awareness about the importance of condom use as a preventive measure. Public health advocates have long emphasized the need for greater access to condoms, particularly in regions where HIV rates are highest, and this move is expected to have a positive impact on efforts to curb the epidemic in Ethiopia.
