The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has advised Nigerians against the use of Foula condoms, stating that they are not registered in Nigeria, News About Nigeria reports.
The agency disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
It noted that the sale and distribution of the condoms in Nigeria are illegal, adding that the labeling is also not done in the English language.
NAFDAC also stated that the illegal distribution or sale of unregistered condoms poses a risk, as the safety, quality, and efficacy of the products are not guaranteed.
It revealed that officials from its Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorate discovered Foula condoms (packaged in threes) in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, and Zango, Katsina State, noting that the discovery was made during a Risk-Based Post-Marketing Surveillance study on registered condoms in Nigeria.
The statement reads in part, “The condom is not registered by NAFDAC for use in Nigeria, and the labeling of the product is not in the English language.
“Condoms are a proven effective barrier method that can be used as a dual-purpose method for both prevention of unintended pregnancy and protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. To be most effective, any barrier method used for contraception or preventing infection must be used correctly.
“The purchase and use of poor-quality condoms will adversely affect every aspect of condom promotion for the prevention of unintended pregnancy and protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. If condoms leak or break, they cannot offer adequate protection.”
It further noted that it has directed its zonal directors and state coordinators to carry out surveillance and mop up the unregistered products within the zones and states.
