KIGALI - As condoms play a bigger role in fighting against HIV/AIDS, Sexual Transmitted Diseases and birth control, the Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS) will establish a laboratory to carry out a scientific and electronic testing facility to ascertain their safety and quality.

The laboratory, to be operational in two months, will assess whether imported condoms meet set quality standards.

The Director General RBS, Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, said the new laboratory would see the institution save money.

"We have been subcontracting Kenya (to do the testing) which is costly and causes delays, considering the demand for condoms in the country,” he said.

He pointed out that the bureau has, in last 12 months, established 12 laboratories to enhance the quality of products in the market and also safeguard Rwandans from problems that would result from consumption of sub-standard products.

The developments were welcomed by the National Commission to Fight Aids (CNLS).

"Hearing that RBS is going to open this laboratory is encouraging. We were having delays in condom importation,” noted Dr. Anita Asimwe, the CNLS’s Executive Secretary.

Joram Bucyana, a trader, said that many people have been having different attitudes towards the standards of condoms in the market.

"We have been having shortage problems. Many people especially on weekends demand for condoms and don’t get them at the right time,” he said.

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