For more than a week, condom production has been slowing in Malaysia due to containment to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Malaysia is the country in Southeast Asia, most affected by Covid-19. As of March 31, 2020, health officials had documented approximately 2,000 cases of infected people and 26 deaths.
One in five condoms is made in Malaysia, in three factories owned by world leader Karex Berhad. The family business owns many rubber plantations, the rubber tree used to produce condoms.
In a few days, more than 100 million condoms could not be produced. Which could quickly lead to a global shortage. To make up for this shortfall, the company Karex Berhad was authorized to resume partial activity by notably restarting production for the Durex brands.
Condom Shortage: Towards a New Health Crisis?
Only half of the workforce was able to return to work in the factories. "Restarting the factories is going to take time and we're going to have trouble keeping up with half of our staff. We're going to have to face a shortage of condoms all over the world, it's worrying" Goh Miah Kiat, general manager of Karex Berhad, told the Guardian.
Each year, more than 27 billion condoms are sold worldwide. Many NGOs buy them for free distribution in schools, family planning or in areas affected by AIDS. “I am mainly concerned with humanitarian programs. In Africa, the shortage can last for months " added Goh Miah Kiat.
Read also :
⋙ Coronavirus: how long are asymptomatic patients contagious?
⋙ BCG and coronavirus: can the tuberculosis vaccine protect us from the disease?
⋙ Coronavirus: these signs of aggravation should not be overlooked