Sunday 27 November 2011

Role of Weak Erection, Condoms in Stopping New HIV Infections

Is it really conceivable to ''get to zero'' with some people still refusing to wear condoms for fear of losing an erection! I mean, is it possible to get to zero - to stop new HIV infections and further deaths from AIDS?

It looks possible but at times I don’t think it is viable, especially if sex remains central to politics in our world, today.

I am writing about this full of excitement that for the first time since HIV/AIDS was discovered there is talk of possibly ending this epidemic, or at least stemming its advance.

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) report recently said "unprecedented progress" had been made in the fight against the disease. The report also said new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths had fallen to the lowest levels since the peak of the epidemic.

Coming hot on the heels of this report is the latest HIV science which said HIV treatment itself not only saves lives, but is also a critical form of preventing the spread of the virus.

But since then, it has become apparent that donors were bored of funding HIV/AIDS programmes, especially in light of economic challenges that started in 2007/2008.

In Africa, changes in sexual behaviour — use of condoms, reduction in the number of sexual partners and a delay of the start of sexual activity — have been responsible for driving HIV decline.

“Getting to Zero” is the theme for World AIDS Day 2011. So that brings me to the my point about whether it is possible to get to zero - to stop new infections and stop further deaths.

Without sounding simplistic, sex is driving new HIV infections -  the virus that causes AIDS. I feel sex is kind of right-wing. It may soon become a political party! And that is why it remains in the lead in promoting new HIV infections.

And condom remains one of the most critical ways of stopping people from contracting HIV.

To be able to leverage on new science and breakthroughs made, it is important that discussion on whether to use a condom or not should start at Java, Dormans or any other venue… weeks, days or hours before having sex.

Friends who want to have sex, couples or just say anybody, should discuss this way away from the sensual excitement minutes before going all the way. For hookers and their clients, this talk should be before taking the drive or walk to an alley or hotel to have sex.

But is this possible, away from the reach of UN enumerators and… in villages - like in a bench in Kakamega - where information on condom efficacy may be lacking.

There are so many excuses human beings give not to use a condom. There is the legend on over sweets and wrapper nonsense. I don’t even know how this came about. Sex is not a passion of panic over whether you have contracted an infection, but of assurance that you don’t worry that you may have contracted HIV. So this sweets tale is nonsensical.

Also, glorification of sex should be toned now; its political veneration impaired, if we are to ''get to zero''.