Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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New Vision (Kampala) - November 25, 2003
Gaetano sprang to instant fame during the Big Brother TV reality show because he took things closer to the edge than any of the other contestants, including when he joined the British Big Brother show. But this kind of risky behaviour is not what he should preach to Ugandan youth.
The ABC concept says that Ugandan youth should first seek to abstain, or in any case delay the age of first sex as long as possible, and thereafter use condoms in any sexual relationship.
Gaetano needs to stick to this message, however difficult it might be for him.
Statistics show that the dramatic change in Ugandan HIV rates has come largely through adolescent behaviour change. The kids have done better than the adults in adapting to the pandemic.
Yes, it is true that kids often mess around and that many girls in the villages marry very early. But the reality is that young people are more responsible and more aware of the dangers facing them than their counterparts a decade ago.
Gaetano should seek to reinforce that positive behaviour change and not undermine it.
Gaetano should encourage young couples to take an HIV test before entering into a sexual relationship. This will help them consider the consequences of what they are doing.
If he does this, and also keeps repeating the ABC message, then he will become a real role model for Ugandan youth.
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