Tell young people the truth

THE EDITOR: Allow me the opportunity to express my concerns about the unbearable article in one daily about young people and sexuality. We need to look at the reality of youth who engage in sexual activities. Are we going to pack Trinidad with abstinence clubs while ignoring the need for the fundamental implementation of a proper health and family life education curriculum that will enable youths to make informed decisions about their sexuality. Please let us not continue hiding from reality and feeding wrong information like “aids can penetrate a condom” to young people. If we continue to hide fundamental information from our youth we are endangering them even more.

You and I both know that with the proper use of latex condoms one will be protected against sexual transmitted infections (STI) and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) inclusive of the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV). It is disturbing to see Dr Gentle who claims to be a lecturer on HIV saying publicly “Aids is 450 times smaller than a sperm and can go through semi-permeable substances such as condoms.” Where did you get this information Dr Gentle? Tell the youth the truth! We must focus on the ABC method which looks at abstinence, be faithful or condo mise. If you want people to make an informed decision, equip them with correct and necessary information to do so, give them options based on their experiences. Please get your facts straight!

GLEESON JOB
Advocates for Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (AYSHR)