Condoms: Our most trusted method to prevent HIV...(30)
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Dear Azeh,
I must thank you for the thought provoking and mind stimulating
debate. I must say that I come out of it much more enlightened
concerning the different perceptions of condom use and indeed
the greater implications concerning the spread of HIV/AIDS. The
truth is that there are no quick fix solutions to the spread of
the disease and not even the most brilliant scientist will be in
a position to advise on the best/most appropriate methods to use
to fight the scourge. A concerted effort however, is well ad-
vised consisting of education and integration of the very many
different options known to work.
The general populace needs to be well informed about the monster
that is AIDS, and cultural and religious sensitivities need to
be accounted for before advising on methods to use. In short,
communities need to sit down and freely discuss AIDS and offer,
for themselves, methods that they can use to control the dis-
ease. A bottom-up approach may provide the best way yet to take
care of the menace and retract its spread.
As for the disposal of condoms, a concern raised by Sam Wambugu,
you give food for thought. Perhaps a study needs to be done to
find out how and where we dispose of condoms - both used and un-
used and what risk they pose both to the environment and nature.
I would dread to think of recycling as an option!!
Philip E. Otienoburu
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
mailto:POtienoburu@ke.cdc.gov