Toronto Public Health Invests $200,000 in World Cup Condoms and Lubricant
Toronto Public Health has committed nearly $200,000 to a specialized initiative involving custom-labeled condoms and lubricant for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. This expenditure, revealed through a freedom-of-information request, is part of a broader strategy to mitigate the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during the international sporting event.
Details of the Public Health Purchase
An invoice obtained by the Toronto Sun shows that Toronto Public Health has procured 576,000 branded condoms at a cost of 21 cents each, totaling $120,960, along with 200,000 individual packages of lubricant priced at 15 cents each, amounting to $30,000. The total expense reaches $199,960, sourced from the department's existing operating budget.
The condom wrappers will feature six unique designs, potentially appealing to soccer enthusiasts and collectors. Additionally, the purchase includes 12,500 female (internal) condoms and 16,000 dental dams, with 6,000 of the latter made from polyisoprene to accommodate individuals with latex allergies.
Public Health Rationale and Historical Context
In an official statement, Toronto Public Health emphasized that distributing such products at large gatherings is a standard practice aligned with harm reduction and disease prevention efforts. The department cited previous initiatives during events like the 2015 Pan Am Games and Toronto's annual pride parade as precedents.
"Mass gatherings present a range of public health risks," the statement noted. "In addition to communicable diseases, mass gatherings can lead to increased rates of sexually transmitted infections and substance use. With the number of visitors and sports fans expected in Toronto for FIFA World Cup 2026, Toronto Public Health will be distributing free condoms and other safer sex supplies."
Political Reactions and Criticism
The expenditure has sparked debate among local officials. Councillor Brad Bradford, who plans to run for mayor, criticized the spending as emblematic of misplaced priorities at city hall. "Nobody has ever told me that condoms and lube should be a priority for their tax dollars," he stated. "This is the type of wasteful spending that is emblematic of city hall and the Chow administration having the wrong priorities. They need to be better focused on delivering the basics."
STD Statistics and Public Health Concerns
Toronto Public Health highlighted the urgency of addressing STIs, noting that chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are among the most reported communicable diseases in the city. In 2024, sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections constituted approximately 64% of all diseases of public health significance reported to the department, including over 14,000 cases of chlamydia and 7,000 cases of gonorrhea.
Preliminary data for 2025 indicates this proportion rose to 81%, with 12,072 chlamydia cases and 6,342 gonorrhea cases reported. The condom initiative aims to curb such trends during the World Cup, which will see six matches hosted in Toronto starting June 12, 2026.
Supplier and Product Specifications
The items are supplied by Pamco Distributing, a Kitchener-based company specializing in sexual health and reproductive wellness products. According to its website, Pamco's Harmony polyisoprene dams are the only Health Canada licensed and FDA approved non-latex oral barrier available, ensuring accessibility for those with latex sensitivities.
Toronto Public Health also plans to implement additional harm reduction measures and monitor wastewater at event venues for signs of communicable illnesses, building on strategies discussed at an October 2025 board of health meeting.
