Tanzania, April 26 -- Dar es Salaam. Global economic disruptions are beginning to affect the availability and pricing of essential health commodities, with authorities warning of possible increases in the cost of condoms and challenges in supply chains.

The situation has been compounded by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which are affecting manufacturing inputs and global shipping routes.

Speaking over the weekend, the Director General of the Medical Stores Department (MSD), Mavere Tukai, said Tanzania is exposed to global supply chain shocks due to its reliance on international suppliers.

"The global economic situation is affecting health commodities. There are transport challenges, and shipping schedules are no longer as pr...