[procaare] Re: Abstinence - the Safest or most Dangerous HIV Strategies? (1-2)

["Nayak & Choong" <sashikantn@gmail.com>]

Re: Abstinence - the Safest or most Dangerous HIV Strategies? (1-2)
1. Sashikant Nayak 
2. Edison Choong
************

Re: Abstinence - the Safest or most Dangerous HIV Strategies? (1)

Dear All

It is not the question of safest or most dangerous. At some point of time you have to draw line and priortise the same. Suppose, if abstinence is the most dangerous, can we say that CP is the safest? Not at all. If so what
would be the percentage? We have to have a strategy but be local specific.

Regards,
Sashikant Nayak
Email: sashikantn@gmail.com

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Re: Abstinence - the Safest or most Dangerous HIV Strategies? (2)

The message of abstinence is powerful. The message must not be isolated.
Abstinence allows young people to practice self-control, nothing wrong.
 
If we purely speak on using condom or "safe sex", then when and how will young people learn about self-control, esp. in the context of marriage and sex. Are we saying that "ohh it is okay to have sex with another partner as long as we wear condom and as long as we inform our wife" Is that right? Is that what we want? A person who cannot control having sex before marriage will struggle with the same issue during marriage. The difference is this, during marriage because of commitments and extended families, the issue becomes more complicated. Some will opt for denial. Denial is dangerous as the root issues/problems are invisible.  
 
Self-control is an important element in respect. 
Hence, opportunities for people to practice self-control must be sustained. If we respect our own bodies and respect our partners, we can wait. Just like building a bridge ... some bridge takes about 10-15 years to build. In the process, we cannot use the bridge. If we wait the bridge will link us smoothly from point A to B. 
 
If everything can be done so easily without a guide, then leaders are not playing their role. The message of abstinence. It is shared and advocated by people who have seen and experience the hurt and negative consequences of sex before marriage. Christianity is not a religion ... It is relationship. Relationship is not all about sex and romance. If we can see this mystery, perhaps we will not object to the campaign of abstinence.    

Such campaign is not to condemn people but to guide them. Leaders must navigate because people need direction.  

PS: It is noted that condom has in fact help prevent some communities in handling the HIV/AIDS situation but it is not the only strategy that works. It is just "condom" and it is already subject to abuse. Behavioural intervention that is personalised must be pursued. 

Edison Choong
Malaysia, Real Love Ministry
Email: edisoncws_1999@yahoo.com