Prominent researchers are advocating a dramatic shift in HIV-prevention priorities. A new study says that significant funding is being wasted in Africa on condom distribution, HIV testing, and vaccine research. Instead, money should be spent on male circumcision, reducing the number of sexual partners, and improving health systems in African countries.
The researches say that the strongest evidence supporting the shift in priorities is the fact that the infection rate has not dropped, despite years of condom and testing awareness. Conversely, male circumcision significantly reduced the risk, as has a reduction in the number of partners.
According to BBC, two-thirds of HIV infections happen in Africa. But, some health experts say that HIV prevention is getting too much funding. HIV causes 3.7 percent of all deaths worldwide; yet, it receives 25 percent of the funding.
Are you surprised that the study purports that condoms and testing are not working? Do you think HIV research should get less funding, as it causes proportionately less deaths than the money spent on it? Or, do societies have an interest in eradicating a particularly horrifying disease?
Roksanda Ilincic
Schuh
Temperley London
Not surprising at all.
Solutions for one part of the world won't necessarily work in another.
You can distribute millions of condoms, but if people don't use them--and use them carefully and correctly--it won't help. First, examine the local beliefs. You have to work within local mores, not work to overcome them.
I heard two or three years ago that a popular belief in parts of Africa was that deflowering a virgin would cure HIV / AIDS. At first, the concept is laughable, but think about what it implies: the rape, by infected men, of younger and younger girls. (Of course, as the earlier-diagnosed cases take the older virgins, only prepubescent girls are left to provide a "cure".) This is what the story I read reported.
1Shock and surprise, condoms don't work.... Hmmm what is the only way to stop the spread of HIV? But if only we could actually expect people to have a little self-conrtol
2Well first of all condoms are not designed to prevent risk but rather to reduce risk. I just wanted to get that straight.
Well like the article says, “Different strategies are needed for different countries”, condoms do work well and have proven their worth here in the U.S. They are also very cantankerous prophylactics. You have to use them within specific conditions or their integrity is lost.
I have never been to Africa much less the regions which are HIV hot spots but I would gather that from what I see on television when they cover these stories this land and those circumstances in which they live are certainly no friend to condoms either.
Africa needs to do what’s good for Africa. I am not sure how the money is allocated once it is given to the HIV/Aids resource groups but they could allocate some of that money to go towards Africa’s chosen method of Aids prevention and cut down on pushing the condoms but to eliminate condom awareness would be a mistake as well.
As for the small percentage of Aids related deaths compared to other virus/diseases world wide this is due in strong part to pharmaceuticals which have given HIV infected individuals the opportunity to live normal life spans. Not because HIV is any less of a problem than it was in the beginning.
Infection is still on the rise even here in the U.S. and it has a lot to do with a variety of issues; from denial and indifference to risk which dissuades people from getting tested on a bi-annually basis, misuse of condoms, un-sanitary drug use, and lack of information/education/awareness.
It seems ironic but another growing problem especially in the gay community is the theory that since pharmaceuticals works so well are able to give people a normal life…if I get it I get it and I’ll just take the pills. It is human nature to reach for a rational when temptation is at our door step. I say to you keep the door shut on this one.
3Actually, I have read a lot about how a large portion of the aid for HIV in Africa is based on "abstinence only" programs. Programs that are funded through the Catholic church also discourage condom use. I have read many studies saying that these programs REALLY don't work, because sex isn't as shameful in these countries. It is hard to get people in these to believe in abstinence.
It doesn't help when you have health ministers of some African countries telling their citizens that rubbing lemons on your skin will cure AIDS, and give you a nice complexion.
I dont think condoms are the source of the problems with AIDS in Africa.
4I agree with Jillness.
5I'm scared that by putting it out there that this cause is getting too much funding and that it is considered not necessary people may stop giving money instantly. I just pray for everyone in Africa to stop all of the violence and spreading of aids.
6loveyoulots, them shoes look painful honey.
7The point of the article, though, states pretty clearly that rates aren't dropping "...despite years of condom and testing awareness." I'm just going off what the article is saying.
8I found the article lacking a lot of specifics. They site the large number of money that is given...but fail to talk about which specific programs they are talking about. They make it sound as if all the money that has been sent there has been focused on condom usage.
They also said that circumsision would decrease AIDS. This might prevent tiny fissures in men's skin...but it would do NOTHING to prevent women from getting AIDS from a man.
9Good point Jillness
10hypno, I love your point and I agree that the conditions of the world aren't exactly the conditions that make condoms reliable.
I thought of the Poisonwood Bible - how beautiful and developed Africa was, and how the West decided it was savage, but the way we did things and the technology we brought just broke what they had and didn't consider the conditions they lived in.
I just think it is really important to acknowledge when something isn't working (DARE, abstinence only education) and if you still want to reach the goal you need to change tactics.
11Perhaps condoms and testing have reached a plateau as far as their prevention potential. And now, it's time to consider other options, while continuing safe-sex education?
12condoms are really the only hope for africa. but the men dont want to use them.
13and the virgin cure is a horrible tragedy.
I agree with Jillness - his article is missing so many key points, and putting out articles like this can really do damage if they are read by people who don't know and who aren't inclined to find out more. Additionally Jillness you're right: condoms are not the source of the problems related to HIV AIDS in Africa. Poverty, inequality between men and women, social problems, famine, war, political corruptness, etc etc etc are all way bigger factors in Africa's plight with HIV AIDS then simply condom use.
It is not that condoms themeselves are unsuccessful tools for stopping the spread of HIV, rather it is the fact that people do not know how to use the condoms properly. Like Hypno said, if condoms aren't used correctly each and every time then they fail to serve their purpose. So what you have happening here is people are giving out tons of condoms and maybe not giving instructions on how to use them properly, the people who receive the condoms do not use them correctly, HIV infection rates stay at the level they are or rise, and people who are sitting behind desks millions of miles away cry foul and say that condoms don't work. Well, you're right, they won't- not when the people are not taught how to use a condom. It may sound silly but the amount of people who do not know how to use a condom properly is startling! Liberty, Condom use hasn't reached its plateau yet because they have not even begun to see the effects of using it properly (from sex education and demonstrations and such) to rightfully declare it as a loss!
Furthermore, like Hypno said again, yes HIV related deaths (where access to anti-retro viral drugs is available) are down, but that is because the drugs which are now used can extend the life span of people for a very long time. Now, people who are on ART (Anti retroviral treatment) may die from some other cause- not necessarily from AIDS. Also Hypno, yes it is a big problem with people feeling like oh there are drugs available to keep me alive so I don't have to take full responsibility. It is human nature to think like that, but doctors always stress that these cocktails of drugs (as they are called) are HORRENDOUS and it would obviously do people well to deal with methods of prevention than methods of cure. The trouble lies in changing people's mentalities- which can be next to impossible!
Every country in the world needs its own specific methods of combating HIV AIDS in their nation. What's good for the goose is not good for the gander. You have to understand the culture of the place that you are trying to make changes in and work with the flow of their tide -not try to put your own ideals and methods onto them. What works here in the Caribbean will not work in the United States or Africa, and I am sorry but as long as I live HIV AIDS will be around, and as long as that is the case, and we have millions of children dying every day from this disease, entire cultures being lost because there are no people to carry on their language and stories and traditions, and countries being devastated,in my opinion HIV AIDS should NEVER come off of the priority list. The ramifications of this epidemic are too far reaching for us not to care.
(sorry about the long rant, HIV AIDS and specifically how it affects children and youth is my area of research interest!)
14True condoms aren't a PREVENTION
15dang give me a sec I hit the wrong key! I have more to say.
16They do reduce risk but not prevent. Like hypno said. Also I think others mentioned if they aren't using them correctly which is often the case here even. Also, people lie and say they are using them and don't. I wonder how many men will actually get circusized. Will they take care of themselves correctly after ward (the healing proccess).
17I not sure what the answer is. I don't think stopping the promotion of condoms is a good idea. They could increase education maybe.
One of the problems is there is a lot of coruption there, prostition (those in that area don't
even care about aids). There's a lot of things that factor here. Sad stuff.
18Sorry about all the errors guys!
19And I think Islandgirl said everything I said already. oh well. *sigh*
20Of course abstinence works. If you don't have sex you can't get AIDS. The same way if you don't eat you can't get fat. But you have to eat! You're not going to tell hormone-raging teens to just "say no". It's easy for adults to say that, because their hormones have settled down and their urge to procreate isn't as strong. But please, the idea of telling a horny 16 year old to not have sex is ludicrous.
21Well, duh. CNN News reports this: "(Pope) Benedict (XVI) expressed concern that human life risks losing its value in today's culture, and worried that sex could "transform itself into a drug" that one partner had to have even against the will of the other."
And that's what condoms do. EDUCATION in prevention of STDs is what is more important.
Spend money on teaching Africans to farm, to fish, to plant a fish head with a grain of corn to produce healthy corn. If a man is kept busy, he's less likely to engage in sexual activities. Bored people with too much time on their hands are either sending (bogus) emails claiming to be beneficiaries of a great sum of money if the recipient will cash a check and send part of it back to them, OR acting out their sexual urges.
One of the CULTURAL problems is that 'someone' (a confirmed deviant) is telling African men that the way to get rid of HIV is to have sex with a young virgin.
EDUCATE them in sanitation, farming and starting small businesses in their homes. Give the women sewing machines and teach them to sew and sell what they sew.
E D U C A T I O N is the first step to financial freedom which is a first step of Personal Freedom.
22You go, AC! God, I love watching that crazy train leave the station. Especially the part about teaching Africans to farm and fish. Brilliant. They've been doing it for 12,000 years. Absolutely brilliant.
23Auntie Coosa I have to disagree. Is it your belief that providing people with condoms and the knowledge of how to use it will only encourage them to have sex? That is a belief that sex educators have had to fight for years and studies have shown (I wish I had them on hand) that that is not the case. More times than not, young people who were educated about safer sexual practices and encouraged to engage in positive extra-curricular activities were more likely to prolong their first sexual encounter - despite being offered condoms for protection. You cannot say don't give people condoms because then they'll just want to have sex all day long - that's insane! Also, yeah somehow I think Africans have been fishing, farming and planting a lot longer than the rest of the world- what with the Continent being the birthplace of humanity and all. Education is key, but not the only method needed.
And exactly raciccarone: yes, sure you can spread the message of abstinence because that is ultimately the only sure form of protection (sexually speaking that is), but the reality is that young people need to have other options available to them because lets face it, they will be engaging in sexual activities - just like the people who are now lecturing them on abstinence once did when they were their age.
24Racci - I have to disagree. I'm not so old that I don't remember my high school and college years. I made a decision to reamain abstinent, and was disciplined enough to do it. I don't understand why it is ludicris to expect teenagers to be able to do it. Maybe it is actually the parents fault for expecting so little of their children...
25UnDave, not to get too personal, but were you aware of what would happen if you had unprotected sex? Or was that decision just because you were told having sex was wrong? I ask because if teenagers know that they can catch diseases and can get pregnant, than they have an understanding of abstinence. But if they're just told "sex is wrong", then abstinence will fail.
26I misused "than" and I am aware of that. We're working on the problem.
27Well, here's my more than 2 cents:
Yeah teaching abstinance is a good thing and I don't want to say not do that. But, I also agree with other preventions. Teach kids about sex, pregnancy, std's etc. I do agree that parents should be involved with teaching their kids abstinance etc. But, what about the kids who don't have parents teaching them that? I also know of plenty of kids (when I was a kid) parents who were very strict and taguth abstinance etc. Yet some of them were pregnant at sixteen.
We should really think about why they're sexually active so young. Duh, of course there's raging hormones. Some kids yeah they had good parent influence. But, maybe the kids were actually more mature or something. Otherwise, there's kids who do it because there's nothing else to do. Or they're insecure, and someone's making them feel good. Or they think if they do this then they'll be liked more.
Some Africans have gone astray from their past traditions habits (whatever) as Americans or any other country. I think what AC was trying to touch on was lets not focus on handouts and get people to take care of themselves. Of course there's a lot to do with that concept. But it's still good to do. Remember "Live Aide"? All the muscians got together and did that charity and then they all got powdered milk but painted their houses with it.
There have been a lot of
problems with people just trying to get others help (food, condoms, there's a list). That arguement has too much to talk about, so I'm stopping with that part.
28lol. I try to overlook grammatical errors, and hope that everyone overlooks mine
To answer your question, it was both. I knew that if I had unprotected sex, I could get a girl pregnant. I also had been taught (in church and in Boy Scouts) that sex outside of marriage is wrong. I made a personal choice to not let some girl mess up the plans that I had for my career, and I stuck to it. I've lost many girlfriends because of that, but I still believe that I am the better one for my choice.
29b-t-w, Rac you talk just like my brother! If you are him and not telling me. You wait till Mom finds out!
30Hmm, I make grammatical errors galore! I also forget words, letters, screw up the letters. It's a wonder if anyone really understands what I'm saying.
31It's more than just raging hormones. We had raging hormones when we were kids. Our parents had raging hormones when they were kids. The difference between then and now is this society now accepts that that is going to happen, and almost condone it. That doesn't teach the kids that it's wrong. BTW I say wrong not because I think sex is bad. I say wrong because they aren't mature enough (many men never are) to handle the responsibilities that come with the consequences of having sex.
I agree with you that those who don't have good parents, or no parents need help also. But that's where the neighborhood comes in. Everyone needs to be saying don't do it.
32Harts - I've been wondering what you're talking about for months now
33LOL! I sometimes look at my comments and say WTF was I saying?
34You know, it's only scary if you think you understand me. Then you got problems!
Sometimes though, I have so much to say and I freakin can't say it all on these things. So, often my ramblings become a garbled mess.
35As for our society here in the U.S. I'm not for the solution of teach one or the other (abstinence or safe sex). I am for teaching both in a context that does not have an agenda for one over the other.
Having obviously been an adolescent my self and working in a high school for eight years. It was very clear by my observation that youth will make intelligent choices whether it is abstinence or safe sex if we instill in them the information with out the conflict that one is better or morally superior over the other. Because the information then becomes a battle field w/casualties rather than a sanctuary of enlightenment. When we burden their choice with such a conflict the drama dissuades them from being thoughtful about the matter and making clearer choices.
36I agree with your very elloquent reply. My argument is that in the effort to provide the information, we have abondoned the whole "abstinence is the best" methodology. When we, as parents (or teachers, or respected adults) say "I know you're going to do it, so make sure you use a condom." We are really saying "I give you permission to do it, just be semi-careful." We need to instill the power to decide but belittle the best of the choices (abstinence), we make their choices for them.
37Well there in lies the catch22 UnDave I’m not arguing that abstinence is not the best form of birth control or prevention for desiese, but when one lives in a society where our children are literally programmed and nurtured by a mass media to be sexual (and violent on another note) we should provide a safety net of safe sex knowledge for those who will sercome to temptation. Temptation is an unavoidable part of human nature and ironically a necessary tool for learning from our mistakes.
When I suggest in my comment above "I am for teaching both in a context that does not have an agenda for one over the other" I am strictly referring to school curriculum because public schools have no business pushing one agenda over the other. They just need to worry about providing the information that is available in an objective manner. Parents should take an active roll in nurturing their child’s views towards sex and define the information as they choose for their children.
38Self control???? One poster is very ignorant to say that the victims should've had self-control. Why blame the victim? That is completely unfair, especially since African women(a very hard-struck demographic) have little to no say in their society. If their husband/boyfriend/customer/whatever the case may be- decides they don't want to use a condom then the women really have no choice. Especially if it's the husband. The woman could be beaten to death for disobeying her husband. I think that they should keep up the message to use the condom because at least the small progress being made is better than no progress at all. Also, the entire world should keep up the research efforts. Just because third-world countries are hit hard by HIV/AIDS infections, does not mean that the United States, UK, etc. should just sit back and wash their hands of it. This is a global issue that we all need to unite around and try to cure. We have to speak for those who have no one willing to hear them speak, and help our fellow brothers and sisters. It's just the moral and ethical thing to do.
39awesomeness: I think several conversations tangled up, there. You're right, one of the issues in Africa is that women don't have the right to say no.
Regarding self-control, though, I think our culture needs to revive the concept. We've become too much into instant gratification. And no matter what is said, handing out condoms equates with permission to screw around indiscriminately. The best way to minimize a behavior is to attach a social stigma to it. We've removed that, and the result has been slutty high-schoolers (and younger). Remember, recent studies have shown that the higher-level judgment centers in the brain aren't fully developed until at least the age of 21 or so.
40Well I think we're ALL right on this one! I don't think one comment
41(except some of my ramblings that had nothing to do with the topic) here was null and void. I think all the comments have a good point. Which means, I think, that all things need to be considered. Right?
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