Quality Assurance is a critical element in the effectiveness of the male latex condom and it is specifically a core element in the processes of procurement of condoms by the WHO, UNFPA and other development partners. However, despite the robust Quality Assurance programme by the UNFPA, several countries in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) have started post-shipment testing of condoms that are procured from WHO/UNFPA prequalified suppliers and which also underwent the mandatory pre-shipment quality compliance testing.
Assessment of Comprehensive Condom Programming (CCP) and reproductive health commodity security (RHCS conducted) conducted by the UNFPA Eastern and Southern Africa sub-Regional Office in May/June 2011, indicated that a total of 13 countries would require post-shipment testing of condoms irrespective of their being sourced from pre-qualified suppliers.
