Madam, - The papers read at the important conference on HIV/AIDS in Eastern Europe and Central Asia held in Dublin Castle recently by the Department of Foreign Affairs make one wonder why anyone could question that condoms have some role at least in preventing the spread of HIV from one person to another during sexual intercourse.
Those who say there is a correlation between increased condom availability and rising HIV rates are entitled to their views but they should recognise that there may be no association at all between these indices.
At a meeting in Paris held by the Parliamentary Network of the World Bank a member of the Ugandan Parliament, Norbert Mao said A (Abstinence) B (Be Faithful) and C (use a Condom if one is not) were useful maxims. Abstinence is self-explanatory and be faithful, he said, meant "zero grazing".
Regarding condoms, Mr Mao said those high up in the churches had every right to their views that condoms should not be used but they should remember that they are like generals in command control: sometimes in the field of battle those in charge there may have to vary the orders. Condoms are needed at a personal level in the battle against HIV/AIDS. - Yours, etc.,
Senator MARY HENRY, MD, Seanad Éireann, Baile Átha Cliath 2.