The Editor Sir:

It has been two weeks since my letter 'Condoms No Solution to Children Having Sex' appeared in the February 1 edition of The Gleaner. In the letter I argued for the distribution of condoms in schools, and elsewhere, and for the establishment of programmes that engage children and adults in educational exchanges about sex, sexuality, sexual identity and sexual responsibility. While I received several letters echoing my views, I also received letters condemning my ideas.

You printed one such letter on February 4, under the title 'Mistake to promote contraceptives' written by Joe Johnson. My concerns with Mr Johnson's letter are the myths that took the place of truth. Myths such as the HIV/AIDS virus can penetrate condoms hinder the struggle against the disease. It is well established that latex condoms, when used correctly, are significantly effective in protecting against the transmittance of the HIV/AIDS virus.

Several countries and communities around the world, including countries in Africa and Europe as well as the United States and Canada, have reduced the spread of HIV/AIDS and other STIs by increasing the population's use of condoms. The use of condoms cannot be overstated in the fight against HIV/AIDS and other STIs. The use of condoms is essential to ensure the life and sexual health of all Jamaicans.

Encouraged condom use

Over the past two weeks, I have read three articles in The Gleaner that encouraged condom use and promoted sexual education. The most recent article is, 'No more risky business! - Condom use the focus of Safer Sex Week', written by Sheena Gayle appeared in the February 13 issue of The Gleaner. The article summarised the Ministry of Health National HIV/STI Prevention and Control Programme report, giving important statistical information on the six-month period from January to June of 2007. Due to concerns about the high rate of HIV/AIDS in the urban areas of Kingston and St James, condom use and education are being vigorously promoted during this week, Safer Sex Week. With 65 per cent of all reported HIV/AIDS cases in Jamaica occurring in the 20-44-year-old age group, it would behove us now to aggressively implement condom use and education programmes for this group.

This is the age group of most parents and some grandparents. If this group can be educated to become disciplined and sexually responsible adults, they are more likely to pass on the education and discipline to their children and the children in their charge. The use of condoms requires education on proper use and the discipline to use them. The education of this age group is vitally important to the fight against the spread of the HIV/AIDS: the persons in this group are the parents, teachers, and guardians of our youth. When they learn, embrace, and practise sexual responsibility, they influence young people to do the same.

I am, etc,

CAROL MARIE WEBSTER

webstercm@yahoo.com

Atlanta, Georgia

Via Go-Jamaica