After the country early this week banned the condom brand “Hot” after finding their products leaking, communication means to the public are being considered to ward off any more risks. Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, Director General of the Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS) yesterday told The New Times that his institution is disseminating more information to educate the public about the banned condoms. Bagabe said that they also intend to use other media channels like radio stations to continue sensitizing the public on the dangers surrounding the use of these protectors we. “We believe that radios can spread information quickly and widely.” He explained the difficulties involved in controlling the entry of harmful products into the country. “We approve a particular brand but it may not be consistent all the time. One consignment or batch may go through, however, this may not mean that all other consignments that come in thereafter adhere to the standard,” said Dr. Bagabe. RBS will now require that every batch or consignment that comes in is certified independently. “We guarantee they will not get into the country.”Regional countries are also working together to curb the entry of dangerous products. “In the next six months, RBS will have more equipped testing labs so that they do not have to rely on other countries’ certification of products.” He however noted that one of the challenges they face is in how to track smuggled goods. Bagabe stressed that goods that come in with out passing through customs are hard to track and warned the public to be more vigilant since even stores may hide the products when the inspectors come. Ends
