Voice of America - July 12, 2004
Steve Baragona
Bangkok

AIDS prevention programs that teach abstinence only are not likely to work, according to proponents of an alternate strategy. But delegates to the 15th International AIDS Conference in Bangkok heard that the strategy of promoting condoms won't be enough to turn the epidemic around either.

The Bush administration is dedicating a substantial proportion of its AIDS relief money to programs that promote abstinence only. But International Planned Parenthood Federation chief Steven Sinding told the conference that a recent study showed those who pledge to stay abstinent often don't.

"Not only was the pledge broken by over 60 percent of the pledgers," he said. "But 55 percent who reported keeping their virginity admitted to engaging in risky non-vaginal forms of sex."

Mr. Sinding says more emphasis should be placed on promoting condoms. He criticized the Bush administration and the Catholic church for downplaying condoms' value in preventing HIV infection.

But Harvard University AIDS researcher and Bush administration adviser Ted Green says in countries like Botswana where condom use is relatively high, condoms do not seem to have helped.

"Unfortunately, these countries have higher, not lower rates of HIV infection," he said. "What we can conclude from this is that 20 years into the pandemic, there's little evidence at the national level in Africa that more condoms have resulted in less AIDS."

Professor Green says Uganda has succeeded in reducing HIV infection rates by using a program called ABC: promoting abstinence first, being faithful second and condoms third.

Ugandan youth abstinence promoter Simon Peter Onaba says people in Uganda have seen the devastation of HIV/AIDS. He first had sex at age 15, but he told the conference that now he chooses abstinence because it's the only sure way to prevent the disease.

"Up to now, three years, I have not had any sex and I will not until my wedding night," he said. "It is possible for young people to say no to sex. We are motivated. We are empowered."

But International Planned Parenthood Federation volunteer Arushi Singh says it's not always possible for women to say no, especially in traditional cultures in South Asia, where the word for "husband" is the same as the word for "god."

"How can I say no to this man who I have been taught to respect as god?" Ms. Singh asked. "Can I ask him to be faithful to me and not risk a beating or even being thrown out of the house?"

Ms. Singh says young people should be taught about all their options, including condoms or they will learn bad ideas about sex from television or their friends.

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