Windhoek: Stakeholders in Kavango West met in Nkurenkuru on Monday to address serious gaps in the condom distribution programme and to agree on practical solutions to improve access to condoms and dispensers in the region.According to Namibia Press Agency, the engagement, organised by the Kavango West Regional Directorate of Health and Social Welfare Services, brought together health officials and community leaders to discuss challenges in testing, procurement, storage, distribution, reporting, and management of condoms. Acting Chief Health Programme Officer Johannes Kambembe stated that the aim was to ensure the availability of condoms and dispensers to those who need them while establishing clear actions to improve access and ensure a viable and sustainable supply system.Kambembe highlighted the poor collaboration between the Ministry of Health and community structures as a major barrier to condom contributions, emphasizing the importance of shared responsibility. 'What I do affects the community, and w hat the community does affects us,' Kambembe said.Regional condom logistics officer, Nyangana Faustinus, pointed out the absence of reliable data at the community level, which complicates tracking and reporting systems on condom distribution in inland areas. He also expressed concern over the contractual nature of the condom logistics officer position, which results in coordination issues once contracts end.Faustinus noted a lack of transportation to ensure condoms reach inland communities, despite stock availability at facilities. Community members raised issues regarding myths and stigma surrounding condom use, with some schools reportedly punishing learners for possessing condoms.To address these concerns, community members suggested making condoms more accessible, such as distributing them at local shebeens, where people frequently gather and might need them. The meeting concluded with an agreement on the necessity of regular community awareness sessions, including live condom demonstrations, to edu cate on the usage of both male and female condoms.