THE EDITOR, Madam:
I UNDERSTAND from a report recently on CNN that the average age of persons infected with HIV has dropped to 23. Women are the fastest growing segment of the population contracting the disease. And the Caribbean is running a close second to Africa as far as per capita reported HIV infection rates. How accurate these facts are could be up for discussion. The message however is clear. AIDS is a deadly problem among young Caribbean people.
We are not going to be able to moralise the problem away so let's face up to two facts. People of all ages and persuasions have sex and AIDS is a problem.
We all know that second to abstinence and non-coital activities, condoms are the safe-sex solution. Why then do pharmacies make the purchase of condoms such an embarrassing ordeal? All the pharmacies I've been into in Jamaica keep them at the front of the store behind the cashier. Now for most purchasing condoms is not the most comfortable situation to be in.
So you've mustered up the courage to purchase condoms, and as a congratulation for your responsible decision you are put in the embarrassing situation of having to ask the cashier for them. Did I forget to mention the line of customers waiting behind you in earshot of your request? Not for the timid I assure you!
I consider myself to be a relatively outgoing female and I left a pharmacy without my desired purchase when I noticed where the condoms were kept and the crowd of people that would have witnessed my purchase of these "personal items". Fortunately for me I had the courage to attempt another pharmacy that was less crowded.
Now this was not my first time purchasing condoms, but it was my first in Jamaica. Most other countries I have lived in keep them near the pharmacist area at the back of the store, where you can make your own selection and peruse at your leisure instead of having to voice your request around strangers.
I urge all managers and owners of pharmacies to make the purchase of these essentials more user-friendly. This obstacle should not be in the way of purchasing something that can save our life.
I am etc.
PROMOTING SAFE SEX
Kingston 5,
