The Condom Problem

Teens, sex and Aids: Time to face up to today's realities

It seems that this realization, when similar problems are already faced in the US and other major developed conservative countries came a little too late. Abstinence will never be a 'safe-sex' choice for the sexually active. Those that wish to abstain from sex, will already done so. They know the virtues and joy of waiting for the right one to come (for the straights it's when they walk down the aisle, and the gays.. I dunno..) But for the sexually active majority, the government need to realize that the only viable solution for protection is condom usage.

It is also perhaps interesting to note that many young people are getting HIV not because they are sleeping around with random people, but getting it from their loved ones, from a context of a relationship. For reasons, perhaps linked to the government stance in sex education (abstinence first, be faithful then maybe use the condoms), most young people who are having sex for the first time, especially with a supposed steady partner, do it without a condom. So the one at risk here, isn't only the promiscuous who do it with multiple partners, but also the those that wishes to partake in the 'ultimate expression of love'.

The government needs to exercise their leadership once again, and do the unpopular but necessary thing here. Condom usage needs a better rep. Guerilla messages targeted to specific group, like the gays (usually given out in clubs on Sunday nights and during plays) is not effective. It needs massive attention. The government needs to acknowledge that premarital sex is not a 'moral wrong' or unethical, but merely a lifestyle choice, that can be practiced in a safe way. Once the stigma gets out of the way, only can the education come in. The conservative majority can complain till the cows come home, but the message of abstinence is not working. Children are having sex. Some with hot random strangers online. And many with their allegedly safe partners. Whatever it is, this kids need to protect themselves. And love isn't the answer.

The Aids pandemic of the 70s might yet happen again, only this time on our little island.