Dispersing condoms is not the answer in Africa

By Kyra Milbourne

Staff Writer

Pope Benedict XVI made his first trip to the continent of Africa as pope on Tuesday. On his way to Cameroon’s capital Yaoundé, the pope said to reporters, "You can’t resolve the problem of HIV with the distribution of condoms. On the contrary, it increases the problem." In addition, he said a responsible attitude towards sex would help fight the disease.

The rising issue of AIDS in Africa has been debated by many, even causing conflict within the clergy. About two-thirds of all people in Africa are living with HIV, and the crisis continues to rise. The pope’s comments caused much debate across the world, many felt the pope was just standing up for the beliefs of the church, but some thought his comments were offensive toward Africans. The Catholic Church remains true to its religious convictions, believing abstinence is the true way to preserve your health.

Condoms have been used as a form of contraception for a long time, but as the growing list for contraception begins to overlap, are condoms the answer needed to decrease the spread of HIV? When used effectively, condoms can be up to 99 percent effective, but only when used correctly and out of habit. Studies show that much of the challenge in containing HIV is due to rape. Will rapists really have the sophistication and morals to use contraception?

HIV has been an ongoing issue in Africa for centuries, and as the outburst continues to swell the continent with infection, maybe a new approach is needed. You can pass out condoms all you want, hoping that the people will use them, but it’s not guaranteed. These people need to be made aware of the consequences of their actions. Knowledge on the virus can never be deteriorated. It will stick with them, whereas condom usage is just a convenience. By passing out condoms we’re condoning their incautious actions. We need to instill morals in them to know that these carless actions have life-altering consequences. The pope was not wrong in his comments, these beliefs and values were instilled in him as a child and he has been taught to live by them. Condom usage is a good start in promoting safe sex, but more is needed to ensure that the people of Africa actually utilize this protection.

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