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Posted on 01/19/2003 5:48:55 PM PST by visualops
Nairobi, Kenya (CNSNews.com) - Some experts say the dramatic drop in HIV/AIDS infections in Uganda is proof that abstinence from sex is the best way to combat the deadly disease, especially in the world's hardest-hit area, sub-Saharan Africa.
Infections in the East African country, which once had the highest rate in the world, have dropped from 30 percent of the population in the early 1990s to around 10 percent today.
Although promotion of condom use has been a part of Uganda's HIV/AIDS prevention strategy, the concept of "True Love Awaits" - an abstinence-until-marriage program launched in 1994 and supported by schools and religious organizations - is credited with bringing down the infection rate.
"Abstinence remains the best strategy, especially for the risk group aged 15-25 years," said Dorothy Kwenze, an HIV/AIDS activist in neighboring Kenya. "The concept has worked well for Uganda and can equally work for other African countries."
(Excerpt) Read more at cnsnews.com ...
On the other hand, Dr. Vinand Nantulya, an infectious disease specialist who helped advise Museveni, said Ugandans "really never took to condoms."
The message that took hold was that young people, who are at a higher risk of being infected, should not have sex until marriage and then remain faithful to their single partner."
Uganda is definitely a model for fighting AIDS (and other STDs) that other countries should follow. Infection rates in other sub-Saharan African countries are horrendous.
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