AIDS cannot penetrate condoms

THE EDITOR: Please allow me to respond to the article entitled “AIDS penetrate condoms.” It is upsetting to see that in this age there is ignorance about the fact that many people are having sex even though the concept of wait-till-marriage is emphasised. It is even more disturbing to see that there is the notion that making an informed decision involves having one choice. It is utterly disgusting to see that public statements like “AIDS is 450 times smaller than a sperm” are being made because an informed speaker would know that AIDS is a condition and that someone does not get AIDS, they contract the HIV providing that there is sufficient viral load in the transmitting fluid.

The issue of penetration of semi- permeable membranes applies only to natural membrane or animal intestine condoms and has no bearing on latex condoms which when intact cannot be penetrated by pathogens the size of HIV. This scientific fact can be justified by CAREC, UNAIDS, PAHO/WHO and any other research driven, empirical data based institution. There is no need at this stage of the epidemic to be attempting to compete for the attention of a target group since there are needs that can be met by any part of the universal ABC education method. Furthermore, the statement “abstinence from sex until marriage builds one’s character and personal strength” is whimsical. Character and personal strength is developed through the ability to make an informed choice and have the competence to deal with the consequences thereof. In closing I urge that before a public statement is made please get the facts straight and separate dreams from reality.

AVA RAMPERSAD
Trinidad Youth Council (TYC)